Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan announced construction of the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, despite opposition from farmers in the state’s sugar belt. The 802-km greenfield expressway, estimated to cost Rs 86,300 crore, aims to reduce travel time and foster economic growth.
The Nagpur–Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway is a proposed 802-kilometer (805 km in some reports) infrastructure project aiming to connect Nagpur in Maharashtra to 7,480 km of cement-concretized roads under to Public Works Department initiative.
Project Overview
Initiated in September 2022, the expressway is designed to traverse 11 districts in Maharashtra, including Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Latur, Beed, Osmanabad, Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg, before reaching Patradevi in North Goa. significantly reducing travel time from the current 18-21 hours to approximately 7-10 hours.
Progress and Approvals
Following its announcement, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) initiated the tender process in October 2022 to appoint a consultant for the feasibility study and detailed project report. By January 2023, three bids were received, and the project secured approval in the state’s FY2023-24 budget in March 2023.
Land Acquisition and Protests
The expressway’s development has been met with resistance, primarily from farmers concerned about losing fertile agricultural land and inadequate compensation. In Kolhapur, a district significantly affected by the proposed land acquisition, protests have intensified. Farmers and activists argue that the project will lead to displacement and adversely affect their livelihoods.
Government Response
Despite the protests, the Maharashtra government has reiterated its commitment to the project. Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan confirmed that construction would commence soon, emphasizing the expressway’s potential to connect major pilgrimage sites and stimulate economic growth.
Current Status
As of February 2025, the MSRDC is set to resume land acquisition surveys for the expressway. This decision comes amid renewed protests, with farmers and activists planning rallies to voice their opposition. The government faces the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with the concerns of local communities, necessitating transparent dialogue and fair compensation mechanisms.
The Nagpur–Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway represents a significant infrastructure endeavor with the potential to transform connectivity and economic prospects in Maharashtra and Goa. However, the project’s advancement hinges on addressing the legitimate concerns of affected communities.
Engaging in meaningful consultations, ensuring fair compensation, and conducting thorough environmental assessments are crucial steps toward achieving a balanced and equitable development outcome. Farmers have vowed to march to Mumbai in March, fearing displacement and loss of agricultural land. The project will also include
The ambitious Nagpur-Goa Expressway project is progressing despite ongoing protests from local communities and environmental groups. The expressway, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region and the coastal state of Goa, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic development.
However, the project has faced resistance due to land acquisition concerns, environmental impact, and displacement of local communities. Protesters argue that the construction could lead to deforestation and loss of agricultural land, affecting livelihoods and biodiversity. Environmental activists have also raised concerns about its impact on protected forest areas along the route.
Despite these challenges, Maharashtra’s government remains firm on the project’s execution, citing its importance for reducing improving logistics efficiency. Officials have assured that compensation packages and rehabilitation measures environmental safeguards will be implemented.
The expressway is part of Maharashtra’s broader infrastructure expansion strategy and aligns with the central government’s push for better road connectivity. Authorities continue to hold dialogues with stakeholders to address grievances while ensuring the project’s timely completion. Once operational, the expressway is expected to transform regional transport networks and drive economic growth.
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