Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
To prevent vehicular movement over the newly laid water pipeline on Paithan Road, iron barricades will be installed along a 21-km stretch. The project, estimated at Rs 18 crore, will temporarily be funded by the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), according to official sources.
The city’s Rs 2,740-crore water supply project, aimed at providing a long-term solution to its water needs, is in its final phase. The initiative involves laying a 2,500 mm diameter pipeline over a 39 km stretch from Jayakwadi to Nakshatrwadi. While 37 km of the pipeline has already been installed, the National Highway Authority constructed a road over a 21 km section, raising serious safety concerns. Experts warn that if the pipeline bursts, vehicles on the road could be thrown 150 feet into the air, sparking widespread alarm. Discussions are underway on ensuring the pipeline’s safety, with iron crash barriers emerging as the primary solution. During a press briefing on Friday, Municipal Administrator G. Srikant stated that a committee led by the Divisional Commissioner has decided to install crash barricades along the pipeline’s entire length. The ₹18-crore expense will be borne by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran.
Traffic to slow down
With barricades in place, Paithan Road may require widening on one side, potentially leading to land acquisition in the future. For now, vehicles from Paithan will have to slow down, extending travel time. While the current travel time to Paithan is one hour, the return journey may take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Water treatment plant work delayed
To provide temporary relief, a 900 mm diameter water pipeline was installed, but the required water treatment plant remains incomplete. The project is unlikely to be finished before April 30, meaning residents will face continued water supply disruptions in the coming months.