The Master Plan project, which started with repetitious enthusiasm and anticipation, now has come to a grinding halt with literally no progress on the ground.
Under the project, some 16 roads in the city were identified for widening as traffic congestion was becoming a major problem.
Among the sixteen roads, the first one was taken between Railway Station Road and Shivaji Circle where buildings, commercial complexes and compound walls were razed for widening roads.
“A year later we are seeing that the vacant areas which have been created after the demolition of buildings are now occupied by petty shop owners, pushcart vendors and for parking. This is the place where the road and footpath should have been developed,” said Anand Shirolmath, a resident of the city.
The residents are now wondering when they can expect the completion of all sixteen roads.
Interestingly, even the petty shops which were removed between M.G. Circle and Siddeshwar Circle, have now been reoccupied by the same shopkeepers after the area remained vacant for long. According to sources, two reasons have caused the delay — the financial crunch and some building owners going to court against the demolition.
When contacted, MLA Makbul Bagwan said that financial approval had been obtained for developing road, pavements and medians on M.G. Road.
“While Rs. 5.5. crore had been granted for this purpose, an equal amount had been granted for developing Naubag road under the Master Plan. Within a week, the work will begin,” he said.
‘No dearth of funds’
He promised that by end of this year, at least two roads — Naubag and Siddeshwar temple — would be developed as there is no dearth of funds for these roads.
