The long-awaited Missing Link project on the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway was inaugurated on May 1, Maharashtra Day. Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis described it as an engineering marvel for the state.
Reports quoted Fadnavis as saying that the project would reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by around 25 to 30 minutes and improve travel efficiency on one of the state’s busiest transport corridors. Some of the improvements cited across are easing congestion, improving road safety, and making commuting smoother.
The tunnels and cable-stayed bridge are impressive, and those travelling regularly between Mumbai and Pune should benefit. Yet, while applauding all these marvels, as our politicians term them, we should also never forget our basics.
Bridges and tunnels are all very well, but what about our local roads? Are we monsoon-ready? Where are the smooth roads? Where are the walkable pavements? Where is the signage on certain roads that must have warning signs in advance for drivers? We may have all the technology in the world, but when our base, everyday roads are in poor condition, then all these marvels fly and praise for them fly in our face.
Let our leaders look at the less glamorous parts of the city, ones that may not give them social media likes or headlines. We need to set that right. While our politicians may get accolades and applause from acolytes, the common people really just need roads they can walk or drive on smoothly. Let’s get that done, and the applause will be resounding.