Chief Minister promises pothole-free roads for the next 50 years, also announces plans for high-speed rail corridor between Nashik and Pune
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. FILE PIC
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday took a direct swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, using a development pitch to counter their charge that he had “abandoned” Nashik.
Addressing a civic election rally in Nashik, Fadnavis promised pothole-free roads for the next 50 years. He mentioned that 60 major roads used by nearly 80 per cent of Nashik’s traffic will be converted into cement-concrete roads for Rs 2100 crore.
“Once these roads are ready, Nashik will not see potholes for the next 50 years,” Fadnavis said, which many in political circles see as a strong reply to the criticism that he failed to keep his 2017 promise of “adopting” the city.
Fadnavis’ sharp attack came two days after Raj, speaking at a joint rally with Uddhav in Nashik, accused the chief minister of forgetting the promise made to “adopt Nashik city” in 2017. Raj had said those who claimed to have adopted Nashik were never seen in the city again. He had also criticised Fadnavis over the government’s plans to fell trees for the 2027 Kumbh Mela.
Taking a veiled dig at the Thackeray cousins, Fadnavis said, “I come to Nashik four times a year. How many times do you [Raj and Uddhav] visit the city?” His remark aimed to portray the Thackeray cousins as political visitors rather than leaders invested in the city's future.
The chief minister also highlighted infrastructure projects to show how Nashik’s connectivity is being transformed. He said the Mumbai-Nashik travel time has already come down to 2.25 hours because of the Samruddhi Expressway and other road projects. He further announced plans for a high-speed rail corridor between Nashik and Pune, with trains capable of running at up to 200 kmph.
In March last year, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray had flagged concerns over the poor quality of Ganga water and refused to drink water brought from the Maha Kumbh by one of his party workers as a mark of protest against the neglect of river hygiene.
Referring to those remarks, Fadnavis said his government would make Godavari water in Nashik not just suitable for bathing but even for drinking. Further launching a veiled attack on Raj, Fadnavis said, “We do not talk about a blueprint. We are the party that actually believes and executes development on the ground.”
The CM reiterated that his government is committed to making the 2027 Kumbh Mela at Nashik a grand success, but some people with left ideology are trying to create hurdles. “But those (read as leftist) will not succeed in their goals,” Fadnavis added.
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