PCMC commissioner Asheesh Sharma said, “The work at Mamurdi, Ravet and Kiwale villages has completed already. The villagers have some problems, we are hopeful that their problems and issues will be solved soon. Even though there has been a delay in the project, it will still be completed on time.”

The PCMC had decided to lay the pipelines on the expressway before for which they had asked permission from the state government. Possession of the land was also requested but the corporation was denied permission.

According to PCMC officials, the authorities had told the civic body that they require the land on the expressway for future development and hence it can’t be given.

Ashok Sonavane of the BJP expressed disappointment with the undertaking of this project. “The land required for the project is not enough and PCMC should not have undertaken this project therefore. Now, due to this, the project is being delayed and the cost might increase as well,” he said.

Sulabha Ubale, group leader, Shiv Sena corporators said, “In 1998-99, when the Shiv Sena- BJP alliance government was there, it was then this project had started.”

At that time, the project cost was pegged around Rs 60 crore but later it was decided by the PCMC that they would not undertake the project. The state government should find a solution to the farmers’ demands and also rehabilitate those who would lose their farmland, Ubale said.