Maval MP Shrirang Barne Raises Issue of Stalled Palkhi Marg Widening in Lok Sabha; Gadkari Assures Action

Pune:

For a long time, the widening of the 3.5-kilometre-long Palkhi Marg of Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj from Dehugaon to Dehu Road has been stalled as this road comes under the jurisdiction of the Defence Department. Due to this, the Warkaris have to face difficulties while carrying the palanquin procession from this road.

In this regard, Maval MP Shrirang Barne asked a starred question in the Lok Sabha and demanded that the land be taken over from the Defence Department and the work on the stalled road should be started immediately. On this question, Union Road Development and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari assured that a joint meeting will be held soon with the Defence Department and the state Public Works Department in this regard.

It is very important to widen the first 3.5 kilometres of the Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg, i.e., the distance from Dehugaon to Dehu Road. As this land is under the jurisdiction of the defence ministry, there are difficulties in constructing anything on that road. However, this initial stretch of 3.5 km of Palkhi Marg needs to be widened, as a lot of people gathered here when Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi leaves for Pandharpur.

Further, bus services, traffic, etc. have to be closed on this Palkhi Marg during the procession. This poses big problems to the local citizens. Therefore, the Warkaris are demanding to widen the distance of a road from Dehugaon to Dehu Road.

While speaking on this matter, Maval MP Shrirang Barne said, “The 3.5 km long Palkhi Marg from Dehugaon to Dehu Road passes through the boundaries of the Defence Department. The possession of this land is with the Public Works Department of the state government. Therefore, the widening of the road in this land has been delayed. Due to this, the Warkaris are facing inconvenience. This road is very important for the Palkhi procession to Pandharpur. Therefore, this decision is very necessary to ensure traffic and safety on this road.”

At this time, Barne asked by when this road will be completed and what action will be taken regarding the land along with the Defence Department.

While responding to this question, Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Efforts are underway to get permission from the Defence Department to widen the stalled Palkhi route. A meeting will be held with the Defence Department in this regard as soon as possible. Discussions will also be held with the Public Works Department of the state government. The work will be completed after discussion with them.”