Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday defended the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link project following criticism over a recent landslide near one of its tunnels, describing the project as an “engineering marvel” and saying initial challenges are common in large infrastructure developments.
Responding to a discussion on heavy rainfall and flood management in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis said the government would continue to improve the project while rejecting criticism that questioned its viability.
“10 years from today, those who hurl abuse won’t be around, but there will be the connecting link and the names of Devendra Fadnavis and (deputy CM) Eknath Shinde,” the Chief Minister said.
He stated that the 13.3-km Missing Link features India’s widest cable-stayed bridge and large viaducts designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 170 kmph. According to him, the project has shortened travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 20 to 30 minutes, reduced the route by 5.7 km and improved road safety in the ghat section.
Fadnavis also accused critics of spreading misinformation. “The very next day after the connecting link was opened, some people appeared on television and started making false claims. They are habitual liars. Some people on social media are also spreading misleading information after taking money. Those who insult Maharashtra by deliberately spreading lies will not be spared,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the Konkan Railway, he said engineering projects should not be judged based on isolated incidents. “After the Konkan Railway became operational, landslides occurred almost every year for nearly 15 years. Every year, we learned from those incidents, carried out corrective works and gradually ensured such landslides stopped. If we had allowed fear to dictate our decisions, then the Konkan Railway would never have come into existence,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) have recommended additional slope protection measures, including wire mesh installation, which the government will implement to enhance safety.
Source: The Times of India
