'Each Revenue Division Must Link To Neighboring States By Road,' Says Bawankule As Maharashtra Plans Mega Highway Push

Maharashtra is set to enhance inter-state connectivity by linking each of its revenue divisions to neighboring states through major highways. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan under the Maharashtra Road Connectivity Chain initiative, keeping in mind the growing needs of transportation, tourism development, and local progress.

Minister Bawankule emphasised that each revenue division in the state should have a direct inter-state highway of 150 to 200 kilometers in length, connecting it to adjoining states. He assured that the Revenue Department would provide full support for implementing this ambitious plan and called for the preparation of a mega blueprint.

The directives were issued during a meeting attended by Public Works Minister Shivendrasinghraje Bhosale, Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Mhaiskar, and other senior officials.

The Revenue Minister noted that proposed highways should pass through strategically important areas that would benefit from improved connectivity in terms of transportation, tourism, and economic development. These highways are expected to create a robust direct link between entire divisions and neighboring states, rather than merely connecting individual districts.

To streamline the process, Bawankule ordered that the cost of minor minerals used during road construction be directly recovered from contractors through their bills. Annual mineral price assessments must be conducted, and recovery should be certified and enforced through clear directives or ordinances. He also suggested regulated provision of such minerals from reservoirs and water bodies.

Additionally, the Public Works Department had requested that the land ownership of road projects be transferred under their name. In response, Bawankule directed the formation of a three-member committee comprising the Sub-Divisional Registration Officer, Executive Engineer, and the Resident Deputy Collector to expedite the transfer of ownership documents (7/12 extracts).

The meeting also discussed the proposal to construct a ropeway at Koradi under the Parvatmala Scheme to promote tourism.

These measures are expected to significantly boost transportation and tourism in Maharashtra while making the road development process more transparent and organised.