Connectivity between DMIC-Samruddhi expressway still in limbo

Aurangabad, Jan 30:

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has indicated its readiness to provide connectivity to Samruddhi expressway from DMIC Shendra industrial estate. However, MIDC has not approved Rs 42 crore funds for the work from the last eight months. The industrial fraternity is hoping for a decision in the MIDC board of directors meeting in the first week of February.

The industrial associations have been demanding direct international air connectivity and train connectivity to Pune to attract multinational companies to the five-star industrial area. On the other hand, the associations are content over the Samruddhi expressway passing through Aurangabad and connecting Shendra industrial area. However, the issue of who should spend on the work of this road has been stuck in the red tape for the last four months. Connectivity from Shendra will be provided through the existing contractor of Samruddhi. For this, MSRDC has submitted a plan of roads, underpass junction, other works and a proposal for the estimated cost to MIDC. On the other hand, the expressway will be opened for traffic from May 1. This raises the question of whether there will be problems for connectivity.

Traffic will not be disrupted

In this regard, MSRDC superintendent engineer A B Salunke said a budget of around Rs 42 crore for connectivity for Shendra had been submitted to MIDC. The proposal will be tabled before the MIDC board meeting next week. If it is approved, work will be started immediately. Meanwhile, traffic on Samruddhi expressway starting from May 1 will not be disrupted due to this work. Transportation to Shendra industrial area will start from this highway only after the completion of connectivity work.