Maharashtra's new ₹40 crore bridge closed hours after opening due to safety concerns

The newly inaugurated Palava Bridge on the Kalyan-Shil Road in Maharashtra has become the epicenter of a political storm after being closed within hours of its low-profile opening on July 4. Despite being touted as a key solution to traffic congestion, the bridge, built at an approximate cost of ₹40 crore, quickly became a "skidding zone," leading to multiple minor accidents due to issues like loose gravel, muddy patches, cement spills, and unevenly laid tar. The rapid deterioration has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and frustrated commuters.

Authorities temporarily reopened the bridge after applying fine gravel to improve road grip, but the damage to its reputation was already done. Opposition factions, including the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), have strongly condemned the ruling Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) for what they allege is substandard construction and a hasty inauguration of an incomplete project. Viral videos posted by former MNS MLA Pramod Ratan Patil showed potholes and gravel washed away by rain, directly questioning the quality of work and the decision to open the bridge prematurely.

MLA Rajesh More of the Shinde faction defended the work, claiming the bridge was opened to relieve traffic and that reports of potholes were "imaginary," attributing the initial slipperiness to asphalt issues that were promptly addressed. However, Dipesh Pundlik Mhatre, a leader from the Thackeray faction, has demanded criminal cases against officials and contractors involved in the project, citing injuries to commuters. The controversy is further fueled by the bridge's eight-year construction delay, leading the opposition to accuse the government of prioritizing a quick inauguration over public safety. The political sparring intensified with MNS leader Patil also criticizing Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's recent short-distance helicopter travel, suggesting he should instead use the problematic bridge to witness its poor condition firsthand.