Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari on Saturday (September 21) announced that the ‘palkhi margs’ (highways with palanquin walkways) for Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram have been completed, with the former set to be inaugurated by December.
Gadkari noted that 42,000 trees have been planted along the four-lane Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg, stretching from Hadapsar-Diveghat to Mohol, and the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg from Patas to Tondale-Bondale.
Gadkari urged the state government to increase tree planting to create “green highways.”
221 km and 130 km palkhi margs announced
The newly established ‘palkhi margs’ aim to facilitate easy movement for devotees traveling to the temple town of Pandharpur. The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg (NH 965) will extend 221 kilometers from Diveghat to Mohol, while the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg will cover 130 kilometers from Patas to Tondale-Bondale, both featuring dedicated walkways for palanquins on either side.
Pune Airport to be renamed?
During the event, Gadkari shared that Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol proposed renaming Pune Airport to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport. “After talking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we will pass this naming proposal,” he stated.
Gadkari emphasised the influence of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar’s teachings in his life, advocating for work over religious or caste identities. He criticised those who exploit caste for personal gain.
Gadkari unveils Rs 1.5 lakh crore development plan for Pune
Gadkari announced that development projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore will commence in Pune district by December. He attended an event alongside Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where several projects were inaugurated.
In a recent address about Pune, Maharashtra’s second-largest city, Gadkari emphasised the need for scooters, cars, and buses to run on ethanol to effectively reduce pollution. He also mentioned that aviation fuel should incorporate ethanol in the near future.