MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday strongly defended the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link project amid criticism following a landslide near its tunnel.The CM said such initial challenges were inevitable in major infrastructure projects, news agency PTI reported.Replying to a discussion on heavy rains and flood management in the state assembly, Fadnavis accused critics of spreading misinformation through television, social media and hired trolls, warning that those defaming Maharashtra with false claims would not be spared.“10 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 chief minister said.Fadnavis said the Missing Link features India’s widest cable-stayed bridge and massive viaducts capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 170 kmph.He added that the project has reduced accidents in the ghat section and improved traffic flow.Drawing a comparison with the Konkan Railway, Fadnavis said engineering achievements should not be judged by a single incident and that the government would implement additional safety measures.Traffic on the Missing Link remained suspended for over 18 hours after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on Monday.Fadnavis 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.Opened to traffic on May 1, the 13.3-km Missing Link bypasses the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section through two twin tunnels. It is designed to reduce the travel distance by 5.7 km and cut travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 20 to 30 minutes, PTI reported.“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,” Fadnavis said.Recalling the Konkan Railway project, he said many had opposed it over landslide concerns. “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.Fadnavis said the previous Congress-led government had prepared a proposal for the Missing Link but shelved it.“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.The CM said his government revived the project after consulting experts. “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 said.Following the landslide, the government 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.On Mumbai’s flood management, Fadnavis said the 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 said.Explaining the challenge, he said Mumbai’s drainage system depends on discharging rainwater into the sea, but high tides often prevent stormwater from flowing out.Fadnavis added that the government has strengthened monitoring of desilting work, imposed heavy penalties on contractors for lapses and increased transparency in civic contracts and project execution.He said the government’s objective is not just to respond to floods but to build permanent infrastructure that minimises disruption during extreme weather events.(With agency inputs)
