Pune, May 15: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently inspected the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palakhi Marg (National Highway-965G) in Indapur. Accompanied by Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne, MLA Rahul Kolhe, former MLA Harshvardhan Patil, and other local representatives, he traveled the entire stretch by bus to assess the progress of the construction work.
Gadkari reported that approximately 80% of the project is complete. He referred to it not merely as a road but as a ‘Green Highway.’ He stated, “Lord Vitthal is our revered deity in Maharashtra. Saints Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Tukaram Maharaj inspire our culture. This is not just a road; it is a path of faith. Therefore, we are naturally developing it as a Green Highway to ensure travelers have a pleasant journey to Pandharpur.”
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, he wrote, “Inspected the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palakhi Marg. Every year, millions of devotees embark on the Vitthal pilgrimage to Pandharpur. This redevelopment is aimed at making their journey comfortable.”
The Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palakhi Marg stretches 130 kilometers from Dehu to Pandharpur, connecting Pune and Solapur districts. The project, costing ₹4,416 crores, is divided into three packages. The Patas-Baramati section is complete, while the Baramati-Indapur section is 84% finished, and the Indapur-Tondale section is 96% complete. The remaining work is progressing rapidly, with completion expected by December.
Gadkari noted, “This route will ensure faster and safer travel while bypassing areas like Baramati, Bhigwan, Akluj, and Shirpur. Separate pedestrian pathways, modern bridges, underpasses, and bypasses have been arranged for the walking devotees. This project, alongside the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palakhi Marg (NH-965), will significantly ease the pilgrimage for millions during the Ashadhi and Kartiki Wari.”
He emphasized that the project is a prime example of environmental conservation. Over 400 trees were successfully transplanted during construction, and care for them is ongoing. Local shade trees have been planted on both sides of the highway. Additionally, 25 ponds along the highway have been deepened, enhancing water conservation in 25 surrounding villages. Underpasses have been constructed in the Hingangaon and Kaneri areas to ensure safe passage for wildlife and reduce accidents.
Gadkari mentioned that nearly 50% of the project budget is allocated for job creation. Once construction is complete, numerous small industries related to hotels, dhabas, transport, and tourism are expected to thrive. The influx of millions of devotees will bolster the local economy. This Green Highway, equipped with modern facilities, will be a remarkable blend of faith and development while preserving Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. Local farmers, traders, and the Warkari community view this project as a new chapter in Maharashtra’s development.
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