The Maharashtra government on Thursday approved land acquisition and alignment for the Nagpur–Goa Shakti Peeth Expressway, a high-speed corridor spanning 802.59 km across 12 districts, 39 talukas, and 370 villages. The project, with an allocated budget of ₹20,787 crore, aims to reduce travel time between Nagpur and Goa from 18–21 hours to approximately 8 hours, while connecting major Shakti Peeth sites including Tuljapur, Kolhapur, Mahur, and 18 other religious destinations.
Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) confirmed that administrative approval includes ₹12,000 crore for principal acquisition costs and ₹8,787 crore towards interest. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has been entrusted with implementation, with the state assuming responsibility for any revenue shortfall to ensure timely repayment of the HUDCO loan. The project had been paused in June 2024 by the previous state government following widespread protests from farmers and political opposition, particularly in Kolhapur. Of the 8,419 hectares required, nearly 8,100 hectares are privately owned, creating concerns over large-scale acquisition and equitable compensation.
According to the Government Resolution (GR), the alignment from Pawnar in Wardha district to Sangli has been approved. However, the Kolhapur segment—covering Shiroli, Karveer, Hatkanangale, Kagal, Bhudargad, and Ajra talukas—has been temporarily cancelled under Sections 3 and 15(2) of the Maharashtra Highway Act, 1955. MSRDC has been tasked with exploring alternative alignments for Kolhapur, which will be finalised after consultations with government officials, local ministers, and elected representatives. Officials indicated that once detailed proposals, financial planning, draft tenders, and concession agreements are cleared, the tendering process will follow standard MSRDC procedures. “The project combines high-speed infrastructure with cultural tourism connectivity, offering both economic and spiritual benefits while ensuring sustainable urban mobility,” an MSRDC official said.
Experts note that the expressway could significantly reduce carbon emissions by providing an efficient transport corridor that shifts freight and passenger traffic from congested state and national highways to a modern expressway. Integrating eco-friendly design elements, such as green belts along the corridor and minimal disruption to villages, is expected to enhance the project’s sustainability credentials. The revival of the Nagpur–Goa Shakti Peeth Expressway underscores the government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure, promoting equitable land acquisition practices, and connecting major cultural hubs across Maharashtra. The project also reflects a broader policy focus on sustainable urban and regional mobility, linking economic corridors with religious and tourist destinations.
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