Nagpur, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Development Plan Apex Committee meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, has given the green light for the construction of a new roadway and a bridge across the Bhima River. This infrastructure will connect the Balidan Sthal (sacrifice site) of Swarajya Rakshak Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj located in Tulapur (Taluka Haveli, Pune district) with his Samadhi Sthal (memorial site) in Mouje Vadhu Budruk (Taluka Shirur).

Fadnavis emphasized the importance of incorporating the feedback from local villagers during the execution of the development plan for Tulapur and Vadhu Budruk. These sites hold significant cultural relevance, being dedicated to the esteemed figure of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, revered as a deity throughout Maharashtra.

In attendance at the meeting were Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and MLA Dnyaneshwar Katke.

Fadnavis noted that a substantial number of visitors flock to Tulapur and Vadhu Budruk to honor the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Consequently, constructing a bridge over the Bhima River is crucial to linking the two locations.

The current travel distance between Tulapur and Vadhu Budruk spans 14 kilometers, requiring citizens to spend 30 to 40 minutes on the journey. However, with the new bridge in place, this distance will be shortened to just 6.5 kilometers, significantly cutting travel time.

According to the Chief Minister, the bridge should feature a 'Viewing Gallery'. The design of the bridge, along with the construction of the riverbank (Ghat), should reflect the historical essence of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's era.

Additionally, Fadnavis directed that the lighting and landscaping along the riverbank and the bridge must be of the highest quality. Guides stationed at the site should be well-versed in the historical significance, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's glorious past.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar pointed out that the bridge's width should accommodate traffic effectively. The bridge and viewing gallery should be constructed in a manner that appeals to all visitors. He also called for the initiation of land acquisition for the proposed road connecting Tulapur to Vadhu Budruk.

Pawar added that the development should inspire every citizen with faith in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to return and explore his historical significance.

As per the government release, plans are underway for a museum, a 10D show auditorium with an 82-seat capacity, an administrative building, a library, souvenir shops, an entrance gate, a 350-meter-long riverbank (Ghat), parking facilities, restrooms, and a cafeteria. There are also plans for erecting a 100-foot-tall Hindavi Swarajya flag at both Tulapur and Vadhu Budruk.