Maharashtra's First 'Free-of-Cost' Road Project in Besa Draws Scrutiny
Nagpur: A major Development Plan (DP) road in Besa is being hailed as Maharashtra's inaugural 'free-of-cost' infrastructure project, but it is simultaneously sparking significant public concern. The Rs25-crore initiative, executed under the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) model within the Besa–Pipla Nagar Panchayat's jurisdiction, is generating both curiosity and skepticism among residents and officials alike.
Authorities Claim Zero Government Spending
Under the innovative TDR mechanism, developers undertake public infrastructure construction in exchange for development rights elsewhere, effectively eliminating immediate financial burdens on civic bodies. Chief Executive Officer Bharat Nandanwar emphasized to TOI that the Besa DP road represents a landmark as Maharashtra's first large-scale road project entirely funded through TDR. "This is a pioneering initiative. The road is being developed according to approved estimates, and the government is not allocating any direct funds for it," he stated confidently.
Residents Question Execution and Coordination
Despite the promising 'free-of-cost' label, residents in the rapidly expanding Besa-Beltarodi area are raising serious questions about the project's execution pattern. Reports indicate that three separate contractors are handling different segments of the same approximately 2-kilometer road, which stretches from Besa Square-Manish Nagar Road to Shankarpur. This fragmented approach has led to visible inconsistencies and a lack of continuity on-site, fueling doubts about overall quality and coordination.
Currently, travel from Manish Nagar to Shankarpur takes around 25 minutes due to severe traffic congestion, exacerbated by mushrooming housing projects and increased vehicular movement. Locals argue that while cost-saving is attractive, it should not come at the expense of construction standards. Specific concerns have been voiced about variations in road thickness across different stretches, with some sections measuring 8 inches and others 10 inches.
Official Acknowledgment and Planned Review
Mukesh Kale, the newly appointed PWD chairperson of the Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat, has openly acknowledged these issues. "I am also surprised at why multiple contractors are working on one road. At one point, the thickness is 8 inches, while on another stretch it is 10 inches. It should uniformly be 8 or 10 inches. Such inconsistency raises legitimate doubts," he remarked. In response, Kale has scheduled a review meeting with contractors and engineers for Saturday to scrutinize the execution process and ensure adherence to established standards.
Civic Officials Explain Thickness Variation
Civic officials have provided clarification regarding the road thickness discrepancies. They attribute the variation to different estimates approved at separate stages of the project. The initial sanction mandated an 8-inch concrete layer, while a later revised estimate increased it to 10 inches. An official maintained, "The first tender was awarded based on the earlier specification. Subsequent stretches follow the updated estimate. All work is being conducted in compliance with technical approvals."
Project Scope and Expected Benefits
The DP road project includes the construction of two bridges over a nullah and is anticipated to significantly alleviate congestion on internal roads once completed. Authorities have confirmed that bridge slab work remains pending, but the entire stretch is projected to be operational within six months. This development holds particular importance for the growing Besa-Beltarodi belt, where traffic issues have become a pressing daily challenge.
As Maharashtra watches this pioneering TDR-based project unfold, the balance between innovative funding and uncompromised quality remains under intense scrutiny. The upcoming review meeting and ongoing construction will be critical in determining whether this 'free-of-cost' model can deliver both financial efficiency and reliable infrastructure for the community.
