As part of its initiative to widen roads the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation has begun acquiring land around the Barapulla Gate on January 3. The land acquisition drive has been implemented to widen the roads and repair three existing bridges at Barapulla Gate, Makkai Gate and Mehmood Gate at a cost of Rs 13 crore.

The residents had given their consent for acquisition of their properties for the expansion drive, the civic body said. According to AMC building inspector, Syed Jamshed, the State government has sanctioned Rs 13 crore for widening of these roads.

Around 29 properties were obstructing the work from Mill Corner to Barapulla gate in Ward A. Altogether, 23 structures including five kiosks, old properties and encroachments were demolished on January 3 and on January 4 the remaining was scheduled to be razed. The construction of bridges will be undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.

Without damaging the historical structures, the drive had to be initiated. The project includes construction of 30 m road at Barapulla Gate, 18 m road at Mehmood Gate and 24 m at Makkai Gate. According to the AMC official, work is proposed to be completed before the monsoon.

The civic body officials visited the spot and spoke to the residents that the demolition drive was necessary considering the development of the city. With the increasing population and rising traffic it was necessary to widen these roads and the civic body requested residents to cooperate.