November 8. Increasing the connectivity to the pilgrimage town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the comprehensive development of key roads to there through video conferencing today evening. The project includes four laning of five sections of Shri Sant Dnyaneshawar Maharaj Palkhi Marg (NH-965) and three sections of Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg (NH-965G). Dedicated walkways will be constructed on either side of these National Highways, providing hassle free and safe passage to devotees.
In his speech Mr. Modi wanted the people of Pandharpur to make the place the cleanest pilgrim centre in the country. Trees need to be planted along the walkways and drinking water needs to be supplied at specific distances along the walkways, the Prime Minister said.
About 221 km of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg from Diveghat to Mohol and about 130 Km of Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg from Patas to Tondale – Bondale, will be four laned with dedicated walkways on either side, at estimated costs of more than Rs. 6690 crore and about Rs. 4400 crore respectively.
During the event, Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation more than 223 Km of completed and upgraded road projects, constructed with an estimated cost of over Rs. 1180 crore at different National Highways for boosting connectivity to Pandharpur. These projects include Mhaswad- Piliv-Pandharpur (NH 548E), Kurduwadi-Pandharpur (NH 965C), Pandharpur – Sangola (NH 965C), Tembhurni-Pandharpur section of NH 561A and Pandharpur-Mangalwedha-Umadi-section of NH 561A.
Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari welcomed the gathering and Chief Minister Maharashtra Shri Uddhav Thackeray spoke.