Image Source: Swarajya
The Maharashtra government has given a significant green light to the ambitious Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway project, approving land acquisition and alignment for the 802.59 km high-speed corridor that promises to revolutionize travel and tourism in the state. The landmark decision marks a pivotal step forward in connecting key pilgrimage sites while drastically cutting travel time between Nagpur and Goa from over 18 hours to just 8 hours.
Project Overview
The Shaktipeeth Expressway stretches broadly east to west across Maharashtra, linking Pawnar in Wardha district to Patra Devi in Sindhudurg, near the Goa border. It will traverse through 12 districts, 39 talukas, and approximately 370 villages, making it one of the longest expressways in the region. As a greenfield, access-controlled highway, it is designed to support high-speed travel while boosting connectivity to important religious and cultural landmarks known as Shakti Peeths—including Tuljapur, Kolhapur, Mahur, and 18 other revered pilgrimage sites on its route.
Financial Commitment and Execution
The government has earmarked ₹20,787 crore exclusively for land acquisition, which includes ₹12,000 crore principal and ₹8,787 crore interest. The funding will be supported by a loan sanctioned from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will be entrusted with implementing and managing the project. To ensure timely loan repayment, the state has pledged to cover any revenue gaps that may arise.
Alignment Updates and Local Opposition
While the alignment from Pawnar to Sangli received earlier approval in February 2024, the route passing through several talukas in Kolhapur district—including Shiroli, Karveer, Hatkanangale, Kagal, Bhudargad, and Ajra—was recently removed due to strong resistance from local farmers worried about agricultural land loss.
The government has directed MSRDC to explore alternative alignments in these areas and submit new proposals for approval. Discussions involving senior government officials, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers, are scheduled to finalize the revised route.
Farmers’ groups, notably the Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti, have vocally opposed the project, citing concerns about land rights, livelihood disruptions, and inadequate consultation during the land surveying process. These protests have sparked regional debate balancing development benefits against social and environmental costs.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The expressway is expected to be a game changer, not only slashing travel time between eastern and western Maharashtra but also enhancing religious tourism along the route. By connecting multiple Shakti Peeths and other spiritual landmarks, the corridor aims to boost local economies, create employment opportunities, and promote cultural heritage tourism.
Moreover, the project configuration imitates the successful Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg model, underscoring robust infrastructure development aligned with India’s expanding road connectivity goals.
Timeline and Future Outlook
Construction is underway with an anticipated completion target around 2028-2029. Despite hurdles like local opposition and alignment reconfigurations, the government’s commitment to investing heavily and prioritizing this expressway signifies its strategic importance in Maharashtra’s transport landscape.
The successful implementation of the Shaktipeeth Expressway is poised to transform the mobility ecosystem for millions, linking major urban centers, pilgrimage towns, and rural communities with efficient, safe road access.
Sources: Moneycontrol, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Housing.com, India Times
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