The Palava Bridge on Kalyan-Shil Road, which was finally opened to the public on July 4 after years of delay, has quickly become a lightning rod for controversy. In what was supposed to be a moment of relief for commuters, the much-anticipated bridge had to be shut down within just two hours of its inauguration due to multiple accidents caused by poor road conditions.
The opening event was kept deliberately low-key, attended only by local MLA Rajesh More and a few workers from the Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction. However, the excitement surrounding the bridge’s opening quickly turned to outrage. Reports of vehicles skidding and minor accidents poured in, prompting authorities to temporarily close the bridge and apply fine gravel to improve traction.
But the damage was already done—both literally and politically.
Opposition leaders, including those from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), wasted no time in criticising the state government. What was billed as a solution to the Kalyan-Shil traffic mess is now being mockingly referred to as a “skidding zone” by frustrated commuters, thanks to loose gravel, uneven tar, muddy patches, and cement spillage across the surface.
A video posted by former MNS MLA Pramod Ratan Patil—showing potholes and rain-washed gravel—quickly went viral on social media, further fuelling public anger. In the video, Patil slammed the quality of the construction, calling it “extremely poor,” and demanded an official inspection. “What’s this nonsense, Gandabhai?” he quipped in Marathi, reflecting widespread public sentiment.
In response, the ruling Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) posted their own video, showing vehicles smoothly crossing the bridge, insisting everything was in order. MLA Rajesh More defended the work, crediting MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde’s efforts for the project and brushing aside the backlash. “We don’t just tweet criticisms; we inspect the work on the ground and deliver results,” More stated.
He acknowledged the temporary closure but claimed the issue was minor and resolved promptly. “Opposition leaders are seeing imaginary potholes. After today’s inspection, the bridge is perfectly fine and open,” he said.
Still, criticism hasn’t died down. Dipesh Pundlik Mhatre from the Thackeray camp has demanded legal action against the contractors and officials who approved the bridge’s opening. Speaking to the media, Mhatre revealed he had submitted a formal complaint to DCP Atul Zhende. “Many were injured because the bridge was clearly incomplete at the time of inauguration,” he said.
Pramod Patil didn’t hold back either. He questioned Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s decision to travel by helicopter from Thane to Kalyan—a distance of only 20 kilometres—during his Ashadhi Ekadashi visit. “Why the helicopter? Had he taken the bridge, he would have seen for himself how bad it is. Once upon a time, he came down to the streets for his people. Maybe it's time to return to ground level and face the public’s reality again,” Patil said sharply.
The Palava Bridge had been under construction for nearly eight years, during which time daily commuters battled relentless traffic snarls. Now, instead of celebrating relief, the public is questioning the urgency behind its rushed inauguration—and whether safety was sacrificed in the name of political optics.
