Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - HT Navi Mumbai Live
Residents’ wait for 17 subways gets longer
Work on water pipelines, contractors’ apathy leave project stuck; forces locals to risk their lives while crossing the highway
KHARGHAR: The incomplete subway work on Sion-Panvel highway has not only been causing inconvenience to residents, but also creating fears of waterlogging during monsoon.
With light vehicles on Kharghar toll naka not being charged toll tax, the contractor is reported to be ignoring the subway work because of lesser revenue.
The incomplete subway has led to a host of problems --- they are filled with water all the time, slum dwellers wash clothes and there is also fear of anti-social activities taking place.
The PWD undertook the roadwidening work of Sion-Panvel highway to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune.
Sion-Panvel Tollways Private Limited ( SPTPL) took up the Rs1, 200-crore project.
While the road has been widened, there are plans to construct subways and foot overbridges at prime junctions and places along the highway.
The work includes 17 pedestrian subways and 10 foot-overbridges between BARC and Kalamboli.
The SPTPL has completed work on some subways and foot overbridges.
However, work on a majority of subways has been pending for months.
The toll naka at Kharghar was started to cover the cost of Sion-Panvel widening project. However, following objection by locals, the government exempted light vehicles from toll charges. Hence, the contractor has reportedly informed PWD that it is not getting revenue as expected. Also, along with other toll companies, SPTPL too has approached the court for compensation.
In Nerul and Kharghar, the subway work has reportedly stuck due to the water pipelines. However in Uran Phata, Kalamboli circle and other areas, there are no such issues and yet the work is incomplete.
Inbraj Pandian, a resident of Sanpada, said: “All subways had been filled with rain water last monsoon. Although it’s summer, the subways can be found filled with water. This has led to fear of waterlogging in the area.”
Residents have also seen that people wash clothes in the subway during the day.
Kharghar residents, who have been waiting f or t he work to be complete, are disappointed. They said that the incomplete work may lead to cost escalation.
Jigar Desai, a Kharghar resident, said: “The main junction on the highway is the busiest road. There is an urgent for either a foot- over- bridge or a subway. There have been several accidents on the highway.”
Satish Shravge, executive engineer of PWD, blamed the contractor for the delay.
“The delay in completion of subway work on Sion- Panvel highway is because of the contractor. We have issued a notice to SPTPL. We are making efforts to resolve the problems faced by the residents by providing some alternative.”
A spokesperson for SPTPL said, “The work has been delayed. We will start the work soon.”