Hodal MLA’s concrete bridge project stalled over land compensation row

The construction of the first concrete bridge over the Yamuna near Hasanpur village in Palwal district has been stalled for nearly three years due to a dispute over land compensation. Initiated in 2021-22 as a flagship project of BJP MLA Harinder Singh from the Hodal constituency, the Rs 110-crore project remains incomplete, with only partial work completed.

Hasanpur Yamuna bridge project

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Project cost: ₹110 crore

Length: 540 metres

Contribution by Haryana: Rs 36 crore

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Contribution by UP: Rs 74 crore

Land required: 8-9 acres on Haryana side

Current status: 10 pillars built on the UP side; Haryana’s portion delayed due to land dispute

Importance: First permanent bridge connecting Palwal (Haryana) and Aligarh (UP)

A recent administrative meeting highlighted the issue, prompting the formation of a committee to resolve the impasse. The dispute centres around compensation for eight to nine acres of private land required for the final phase of the bridge construction. Authorities have offered three times the prevailing circle rate of Rs 32 lakh per acre, but the landowners are demanding five times the rate, leading to a significant gap in negotiations. Despite multiple discussions between officials and landowners, the matter remains unresolved.

Started nearly three years ago, the project has seen the construction of 10 pillars on the Uttar Pradesh side of the river. Haryana is responsible for building one or two remaining pillars on its side, but the land acquisition hurdle has stalled progress. The Haryana and UP governments have allocated Rs 36 crore and Rs 74 crore, respectively, for the 540-metre-long bridge.

MLA Harinder Singh, who has spearheaded the project, emphasised its importance, stating, “This project is likely to prove a major lifeline for commuters in the region. It will be the first concrete bridge in the district providing direct connectivity between Palwal and Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.”

The bridge is particularly crucial as the only current link across the Yamuna in the district is a pontoon bridge constructed in 1991 during the tenure of then MLA Ram Rattan, Singh’s father. The pontoon bridge has long been a temporary solution, often rendered unusable during the rainy season or when the river’s flow increases.

Harinder Singh expressed optimism about resolving the land issue soon. “A district-level committee has been set up to accelerate the project,” he said.