Pune: Puneites will soon get an opportunity to travel on water to reach their destination within city limits. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Anil Shirole has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to get incorporated Mula and Mutha rivers in the Centre's National Waterways project wherein 10 cities across the country would be selected. 

Talking to the press here on Sunday, Shirole said, “I have sent a letter to the CM to include Mula-Mutha and consider Pune city for National Waterways project. This will help in solving the transportation problem as development of inland waterways as part of intra-city public transport system will ease the traffic congestion." 

When Union Minister for Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari visited the city in August, he announced that the Centre would include Pune city in the National Waterways project if it gets a nod from the State government and the civic body. Gadkari had said dry ports will be built across the river. 

The city already has bus transport system (PMPML) and local train service as public transport and the metro project is underway, Shirole said, adding that if the waterways project gets the nod, then the transport scenario would certainly be enhanced. 

He spoke on various issues on the backdrop of Winter Session of the State Assembly. Shirole said MPs get Rs 25 crore in their term for developmental work in their constituency. Giving a list of works nearing completion he said, “We are finalising a consultant for the river cleaning project. We will also get approval from Air Force for building the international airport." 

He said they are trying to provide piped gas to the entire city in next six months.