In a dramatic turn of events, the much-anticipated Pallava Bridge on the Kalyan-Shil Road — considered crucial to easing the persistent traffic congestion in the region — was opened to vehicular traffic on Friday morning but was closed just hours later due to incomplete construction work and safety concerns.
The bridge was inaugurated in a hurried manner in the presence of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA from Kalyan Rural, Rajesh More, and district president Gopal Landge. Soon after the inauguration, vehicles started using the bridge, but traffic was halted within a few hours after an accident involving a two-wheeler occurred due to a slippery surface on the bridge.
Authorities stepped in and temporarily closed the bridge, citing unfinished construction work and safety risks. The hasty inauguration and subsequent closure sparked sharp criticism against ruling party.
Bridge Reopened in the Evening
Later in the evening, the bridge was reopened after addressing the slipperiness on its surface. The Kalyan-Shil Road, one of the busiest and most congested roads in the region, has long been a commuter’s nightmare. The construction of the Pallava Junction Bridge had been stalled for several years, adding to the area’s traffic woes.
MLA Rajesh More said, “The Pallava Bridge has been constructed through the efforts of MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde to provide relief from the traffic issues on Kalyan-Shil Road. We are hopeful that this bridge will bring some happiness to the citizens. To our critics, we just want to say — we don’t restrict ourselves to criticism on Twitter; we go to the ground, monitor the work, and get it done. The bridge is now operational, and that’s what matters.”
Despite the reopening, the incident has raised questions about the decision to inaugurate infrastructure before full completion, a recurring issue in civic project management
