Pune: The much-awaited Shaktipeeth Expressway project, designed to connect Nagpur to Goa, has finally received the green light after overcoming significant hurdles. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed officials to fast-track the land acquisition process, signaling a crucial step forward for the Rs 86,000-crore project.
Shaktipeeth Expressway, modeled after Samruddhi Expressway, aims to drastically cut travel time between Nagpur and Goa, bringing it down to just 10 hours. The completion of this expressway promises to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth, making it one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Maharashtra’s history.
Project overview
Once completed, Shaktipeeth Expressway will span 805 kilometers, making it Maharashtra’s largest highway. The project aims to provide seamless connectivity between the two states and benefit multiple districts along its route.
The expressway’s development will foster economic growth by linking key regions, facilitating faster transportation of goods, and boosting trade between Nagpur and Goa. In addition to its economic benefits, the expressway will improve access to important tourist and pilgrimage sites, thereby promoting tourism.
This initiative will also create numerous opportunities for local communities through increased regional integration and infrastructure development.
Cost and land acquisition challenges
The expressway is a monumental undertaking, with an estimated cost of Rs 86,000 crore and a requirement for approximately 9,300 hectares of land across 12 districts. The land acquisition process has been one of the key challenges faced by the project, particularly in Kolhapur and parts of Sangli, where local opposition led to a temporary suspension in the process.
In September 2024, the government had to revoke its land acquisition notification, further delaying progress. However, recent developments have reinvigorated the project, and the land acquisition process is set to resume, albeit with certain regions like Kolhapur excluded due to ongoing opposition.
There have been several breakthroughs in the project’s development over the last few weeks. On January 10, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) submitted the necessary environmental clearance proposals to both the central and state governments. Securing environmental clearance is a critical milestone, as it paves the way for the project’s further advancement.
With the clearance now in progress, the government also decided to resume the land acquisition process in 11 districts, excluding the opposition-affected regions of Kolhapur. This renewed momentum offers hope that the project will soon move into its construction phase.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the importance of speeding up Shaktipeeth Expressway project and has issued clear directives to ensure its timely completion.
First and foremost, the land acquisition process in the remaining districts must be accelerated. The government is also focused on securing necessary environmental and forest approvals to prevent any further delays. The finalization of construction tenders will follow once the major land acquisition milestones are completed.
Additionally, efforts will be made to engage with local communities and resolve disputes to minimize resistance to the project. This proactive approach aims to overcome the remaining challenges and keep the project on track.
What’s next for Shaktipeeth Expressway?
The next phase of the Shaktipeeth Expressway will involve the continued acquisition of land, with around 8,200 hectares of the required 9,300 hectares expected to be acquired, leaving out Kolhapur’s 1,100 hectares due to local opposition. Securing the necessary environmental and forest clearances will be another critical step in ensuring that the project moves ahead without any more delays.
Once land acquisition and approvals are in place, construction work will begin, marking the start of the final phase of the project. With the project now gaining momentum, the Shaktipeeth Expressway is poised to transform Maharashtra’s transportation landscape, providing long-term benefits for the region’s economy and infrastructure.
