Fadnavis calls Missing Link engineering marvel, says initial problems inevitable

Mumbai, Jul 8 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday aggressively defended the Mumbai-Pune Expressway 'Missing Link' project after facing flak over a landslide near its tunnel, saying such initial challenges were inevitable. Replying to a discussion in the state assembly on heavy rains and flood management, Fadnavis accused the project's critics of spreading falsehoods on TV and social media through hired trolls, and warned that those defaming Maharashtra with misinformation would not be spared. "Ten years from today, those who hurl abuse won't be around, but there will be the connecting link and the names of Devendra Fadnavis and (deputy CM) Eknath Shinde," the CM said. The Missing Link has India's widest cable-stayed bridge and massive viaducts capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 170 kmph, the CM noted, adding that because of it, accidents in the ghat section have come down and traffic has become smoother. Drawing a comparison with the challenges faced by the ambitious Konkan Railway project, he said the government would implement additional safety measures, but an engineering achievement should not be judged by a single incident. Traffic on the Missing Link section remained shut for over 18 hours following the landslide triggered by heavy rains on Monday. The Missing Link, which opened to traffic on May 1, is a 13.3-km alignment on the busy 94-km-long expressway featuring two twin tunnels. It bypasses the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section and is designed to reduce the travel distance by 5.7 km and cut journey time between Mumbai and Pune by 20 to 30 minutes. Fadnavis said, "It was because the Mahayuti government had the courage that we built the connecting (Missing) link. Some people started saying that such a road should never have been built because landslides can occur. If governments start thinking like that, no major infrastructure project can ever be undertaken." When the Konkan Railway was proposed, many people said it was not feasible due to the danger of landslides, said Fadnavis. "But there was one person, (former railway minister) Madhu Dandavate, who had the courage to say that it would be built," he said. "After the Konkan Railway became operational, landslides occurred almost every year for nearly 15 years. Every year, we learned from those incidents, carried out corrective works and gradually ensured such landslides stopped. If we had allowed fear to dictate our decisions, then the Konkan Railway would never have come into existence," he said. During the previous Congress-led government, a proposal regarding the Missing Link had been prepared, he said. "However, the then Honorable Chief Minister wrote a two-page note, cited 14 different reasons, and shut down the file, declaring that this missing link could not be built," he said. His government decided to execute it after detailed consultations with experts, Fadnavis said further. "They told us it was technically possible and that it could be executed safely. We went ahead and completed it. This is not merely a connecting road. It is an engineering marvel," he asserted. After the landslide, Fadnavis said the government immediately consulted experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), who recommended additional protective measures. "The IIT experts have identified a few more vulnerable locations where wire mesh and slope protection should be installed. We will implement these recommendations...," he said. The chief minister also accused critics of deliberately spreading misinformation. "The very next day after the connecting link was opened, some people appeared on television and started making false claims. They are habitual liars. Some people on social media are also spreading misleading information after taking money. Those who insult Maharashtra by deliberately spreading lies will not be spared," he said. On Mumbai's flood management, Fadnavis said his government has prepared a comprehensive Rs 13,000-crore Integrated Flood Control Plan. "It has been submitted to the central government and, after approval, implementation will begin. Once completed, around 370 flood hotspots across Mumbai will be eliminated," he informed. Explaining the challenge, Fadnavis said Mumbai's drainage system has to discharge rainwater into the sea, but high tides often prevent stormwater from flowing out. "When extremely heavy rainfall coincides with high tide, water cannot flow into the sea. This integrated plan is designed to address this challenge precisely and provide long-term relief to Mumbaikars from recurring flooding," he said. He also said the government has tightened monitoring of desilting works, imposed heavy penalties on contractors for lapses and introduced greater transparency in civic contracts and project execution. The government's objective is not merely to respond to floods after they occur but to build permanent infrastructure that would minimise disruption during extreme weather events, the CM said. PTI MR GK KRK