Pune: Proposal For Ujani Reservoir Bridge Seeks Budget Approval; Demand Gains Momentum To Boost Connectivity And Economy

Pune, 6th March 2025: Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Digvijay Bagal has urged the government to allocate funds for constructing a bridge over the Ujani reservoir between Goyegaon in Karmala taluka and Agoti in Indapur taluka. This demand aims to improve connectivity and ensure the safety of residents who currently risk their lives by crossing the water body in boats.

According to Bagal, residents of Karmala and Indapur talukas must travel nearly 100 kilometers via Bhigwan and Tembhurni to reach nearby villages. Due to this inconvenience, many opt for hazardous boat journeys, leading to multiple drowning incidents. Reports suggest that over 50 people have lost their lives in the reservoir so far.

The region surrounding the Ujani Dam is known for its rich agricultural produce, including bananas, pomegranates, and sugarcane, making it a key fruit and sugar belt. Additionally, the reservoir attracts birdwatchers and tourists due to the presence of domestic and migratory birds. Bagal emphasized that a bridge over the Bhima River between Goyegaon and Agoti would significantly boost agro-tourism, fishing, the sugar industry, and water-based activities like boating and cruises. Since both sides of the river already have accessible roads, minimal land acquisition would be required. A structure with a central bridge and short approach roads on either side could greatly enhance development in the area.

Meanwhile, another major infrastructure project—the Shirsodi-Kugaon bridge in the Ujani Dam catchment area—has already gained momentum. The ₹350 crore project, approved by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Sports Minister Dattatray Bharne, is now under construction.

For the past 45 years, since the Ujani Dam was built, villages on opposite banks of the Bhima River have been separated. Previously, these villages enjoyed strong social and trade ties, but the dam’s formation disrupted their connections. However, the Shirsodi-Kugaon bridge is expected to restore these ties, reducing the distance between Marathwada and Western Maharashtra by 100 kilometers and creating a crucial link between the two regions.

Former Indapur Municipality Mayor Bharat Shah and former Kugaon Sarpanch Tejaswini Kokare, along with other local leaders, have long advocated for this project. The bridge is expected to enhance trade by providing faster access to Pune-Mumbai markets for vegetables, fruits, and bananas. It will also create alternative routes for sugarcane transport, offer a direct link to Mumbai’s port for banana exports, and boost employment and tourism opportunities in the region.

Given the vast distances in the Ujani Dam’s catchment area, Bagal has emphasized the need for a centrally located bridge to ease travel. He has strongly urged the government to approve the project and include it in the upcoming budget estimates.