City stretch of the Left Bank Canal
She said the Kumbh Mela Authority had approved only 28 of the 59 roads proposed by the NMC for development ahead of the mega religious event.
Following sustained efforts by elected representatives with the state government and the authority, additional proposals were pursued for approval and funding, she said.
The project will include roads measuring 7.5 metres on either side of the Left Bank Canal, she said. Aher said the civic body aims to complete the Right Bank Canal road by March 2027, with the tendering process expected to begin shortly.
Aher said the Left Bank Canal project was proposed by water resources minister Girish Mahajan and would be developed on the lines of the Sabarmati riverfront model. Aher said the infrastructure projects being undertaken as part of the Kumbh preparations would significantly improve connectivity and support the city’s growth. The canal will be covered along the stretch passing through the city limits, creating space for a major traffic corridor and urban development. The road will be developed by the state water resources department. The road network, she added, was being planned keeping in mind future traffic requirements, urban expansion and the expected influx of pilgrims during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Both projects are expected to be completed ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela and are aimed at easing traffic congestion on Gangapur Road and in Panchavati, mayor Himgauri Aher said at a press conference on Friday.