Aurangabad, April 26:
In a recent local political development, BJP and Shiv Sena, entered into war against each other, on social media, over the proposed construction of the flyover bridge in front of Chikalthana Airport. BJP suggests constructing the bridge at Amarpreet or Akashwani Square, while Sena supports the construction of the bridge at the airport citing details on accidents.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had started re-strengthening Jalna Road by constructing side drains and will soon be constructing the proposed bridge with an underpass (for air passengers) in front of the airport. It had submitted the detailed project report (DPR) of Rs 400 crore, but the government had approved Rs 74 crore only.
Meeting at divisional commissionerate in 2020
It is learnt that a meeting in this regard was held at the divisional commissionerate during the last year. After the meeting, it was decided to construct the bridge at Amarpreet Square instead of the airport. It was considered as a link to existing flyovers at Kranti Chowk and old Mondha Naka. The traffic police had also mentioned that there is less traffic density on road opposite the airport. Hence, the then NHAI project director Ajay Gadekar proposed for the bridge at Amarpreet claiming there is huge traffic coming from Beed Bypass and Dargah Road. Later on, it was clarified that it is not feasible as there is an underground network of water supply pipelines at Amarpreet Square. If disturbed it will obstruct the water supply of more than 50 areas. NHAI was also having doubt over the technical safety of the flyover at Amarpreet Square. Finally, it was decided to construct the bridge opposite airport (with an underpass for the citizens visiting the airport), said highly placed sources in NHAI.
BJP's opposition
BJP's state executive member Prashant Desarda registered his opposition to the bridge at the airport through social media. He recommended that it should be at either Amarpreet or Akashwani Squares reviewing the rush of vehicles. There is no need for a bridge opposite the airport, therefore, the citizens should oppose it. " I am pursuing the matter with the union minister Nitin Gadkari and it is technically feasible to construct the bridge at any one of the two places," he said.
Sena's reply
Former Sena corporator Manoj Gangwe, through social media, replied to the opposition mentioning the number of accidents that had taken place on Jalna road between the airport and the Ramnagar, in past. There is a BJP government in the Centre, therefore, the BJP leaders should pull funds for two more bridges in the city, he said. Gangwe threatened of launching an agitation along with residents of nearby wards if the location of the bridge is changed.