Mumbai-Goa Highway Delayed Again: New Deadline Set; Kashedi Ghat Tunnels Near Completion

The long-awaited Mumbai-Goa Highway project has been under construction for over 14 years, causing frustration among commuters and political debates. With both Maharashtra and Goa now governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citizens are hopeful that the project will finally be completed under a unified leadership. In many parts, the existing road is in poor condition, forcing many Mumbaikars to take the longer Satara route to Goa instead, as per the Free Press Journal.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state Public Works Department (PWD) have recently announced that the highway expansion will face further delays, with the completion target now set for two more years.

Photo Credit: PTI

In September last year, former PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan acknowledged that critical segments, including 14 bridges and adjacent service roads, were behind schedule. He reassured the public, stating, "We aim to complete this work within the next two years," while admitting the ongoing challenges.

The 555-kilometre highway, a vital route for industrial, trade, and tourism sectors, links Mumbai with Goa. Of this, 471 kilometres pass through Maharashtra, connecting key areas such as Panvel, Mahad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.

Originally planned under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, the project was divided into 10 construction packages, each awarded to different contractors. However, delays have been caused by forest clearance issues, land acquisition problems, and poor construction quality.

One of the most eagerly awaited parts of the project is the twin tunnels at Kashedi Ghat, designed to enhance safety and speed through the mountainous area. A PWD official confirmed that construction on the tunnels is nearing completion, with plans to make them operational by Republic Day, January 26.

The tunnels, which were briefly opened during Ganeshotsav, were later closed due to water leakage and electrical problems. These issues led to political finger-pointing, with leaders inspecting the site and blaming administrative delays.

The highway project has sparked ongoing political conflict, with successive governments blaming each other for the stalled progress. However, with the current unified leadership in both states, there is cautious optimism that the project will finally be completed, offering a faster and safer journey by 2027. In the meantime, daily commuters and festival travellers continue to face delays and inconvenience.