“Our endeavour is to ensure all round development of Nagpur and Central Government in partnership with State Government during last five years ensured that aspirations of populace is fulfilled,” said Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Surface Transport and Highways and MSME. Addressing gathering after inauguration of two-tiered Residency Road fly-over on Friday.

Gadkari further said that an investment of nearly Rs 75,000 crore is being made in Eastern Vidarbha through various development projects whose list he read on. This was possible due to public support and liberal assistance from Central Government and previous State Government. “We are committed to completing the project initiated during our regime within the stipulated time so that people gets it benefits in due time,” the Union Minister said.

Devendra Fadnavis, Leader of Opposition, Mayor Sandip Joshi, Dr Vikas Mahatme, Member of Parliament, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators Krishna Khopde, Vikas Kumbhare, Mohan Mate and Girish Vyas; Jogendra Kawade, MLC, were also present.

Gadkari on the occasion said in the next five years the ongoing projects are targeted for completion and it would enhance image of Nagpur throughout the country as one of the most livable and beautiful city. “The development was not limited to upgradation of infrastructure but also concentrated on having sports and cultural facility,” the Minister said.

Nagpur is now truly on world map as it now boasts of top ranking education institutions, AIIMS on which nearly Rs 2,000 crore are to be spent and host of other transport projects. The Inter Modal Station (IMS) at Ajni railway station is the futuristic project and would transform the surrounding area as plans to shift Central Jail and FCI godown is in last stage.

The Union Minister claimed that in last five years 27,000 local youth got employment in various industries and in next five years target is to create 50,000 jobs. This would ensure that qualified youth do not need to migrate to other metropolitian cities in search of jobs.

Earlier, Devendra Fadnavis complimented Nitin Gadkari for transforming Nagpur through slew of Centrally funded projects. The inauguration of Residency fly-over is a milestone as it would decongest the Sadar Bazar area and provide respite from traffic snarls. It would also improve connectivity between Nagpur and Koradi thereby boosting development in the region.

He underlined that whatever development projects initiated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in State and Centre they were aimed at easing the troubles of common man. People visiting city are amazed at the development and they appreciate the transformation.

Earlier, Naresh Wadetwar, Regional Officer, NHAI, in his introductory address shed light on reasons that led to delay in completion of the double decker fly-over, saying utilities shifting took considerable time. The deadline for completion was March 2019 but the project overshot by nearly nine and half months.

Renuka Deshkar compered the programme.