₹100 crore sanctioned for a new Bawanthadi bridge, but no work in three years; Maharashtra–MP link suffers

Bhandara: Three years ago, the state and central governments sanctioned ₹100 crore for a new bridge over the Bawanthadi river, which links Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh at the far end of Bhandara district. A work order was issued, but not a rupee has been spent on actual work in three years, ABP Majha reported.

The old bridge over the river has become dilapidated, and the administration has stopped all heavy traffic on it. The border area grows vegetables on a large scale, and Nakadongri and Tumsar in Maharashtra and Katangi taluka in Madhya Pradesh are important for trade. With heavy traffic barred for three years, farmers' vegetable sales and traders' business have been badly hit, and family ties across the two states are suffering too.

The bridge was estimated at ₹100 crore at the rates of three years ago; if work starts now, higher prices of cement, steel and labour will push up the cost and burden the public exchequer, the report said. The concerned department's response on when work will begin was not part of the report.

Source: ABP Majha