Khed-Mahabaleshwar Cable-Stayed Sky Bridge Ready; Will Reduce Travel Distance by 50 KM
KHED/RATNAGIRI:
In a major boost to regional connectivity and tourism, the ambitious Khed-Mahabaleshwar Cable-Stayed Sky Bridge is nearing completion. Built over the scenic Koyna backwaters on the lines of Mumbai’s famous Bandra-Worli Sea Link, this structural marvel is expected to be thrown open to the public after the monsoon season. The bridge will bridge the gap between the Konkan region and Western Maharashtra, cutting down the travel distance between Khed and Mahabaleshwar by 50 kilometers.
Bypassing the Ambenali Ghat: Faster & Safer Transit
Currently, commuters traveling from Ratnagiri/Khed to Mahabaleshwar have to take a long detour via Poladpur and navigate the treacherous turns of the Ambenali Ghat. The new bridge connects Tapola (often called the Mini Kashmir of Maharashtra) to the Gadhavali-Ahir region in Khed, eliminating the traditional long route and saving significant hours of travel time and fuel costs.
The View from Top: The high-altitude viewing gallery will offer tourists panoramic 360-degree views of the massive Koyna River backwaters, dense Sahyadri forests, and breathtaking sunrise and sunset points.
Major Boost for Raghuveer Ghat Tourism
The infrastructure development is set to shine a spotlight on Khed’s hidden gem—the Raghuveer Ghat. Known for its misty monsoon trails, cascading waterfalls, and rare red crabs, Raghuveer Ghat is expected to see a massive surge in footfall. Local youth stand to benefit from fresh employment opportunities in hospitality, homestays, eco-tourism, and water sports around the Koyna basin.
Lifeline for 21 Remote Villages in Kandati Valley
Beyond tourism, the bridge solves a long-pending humanitarian issue for the remote tribal belt of the Kandati Valley. Villages like Shindi, Valvan, Uchat, Akalpe, and Dare (the native village of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde) used to remain completely cut off during heavy monsoon seasons, forcing locals into risky boat transits. This bridge ensures safe, permanent, and 365-day road connectivity for over 21 villages, marking a monumental shift in the socio-economic landscape of the region.