Nagpur-Goa Expressway Hits A Roadblock: Massive Protests Force Government To Halt Project; Find Out Why

In response to mounting public opposition, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has decided to halt the proposed 802-kilometre Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway project, according to Hindustan Times (HT).

On Friday, MSRDC withdrew its request for environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, following a meeting between a delegation of concerned citizens, including farmers, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Kolhapur airport.

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Concerns Over Environmental Impact

The delegation, representing the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Kruti Samiti, voiced strong concerns over the potential environmental and agricultural impact of the expressway. The project, which was set to traverse 12 districts in Maharashtra, would require the acquisition of approximately 27,000 hectares of fertile land. Critics argue that the expressway could lead to significant deforestation and disrupt the fragile ecosystems along its proposed route.

Anil Gaikwad, Managing Director of MSRDC, confirmed the withdrawal of the environmental clearance proposal, stating in HT, "We have withdrawn the proposal for environmental clearance for Shaktipeeth Expressway from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The project is being opposed by people from all over the state."

Land Acquisition Process

In addition to halting the clearance process, the MSRDC has also suspended the land acquisition efforts for the project. Previously, district collectors had been authorised to proceed with land acquisitions, but these plans have now been paused. Gaikwad mentioned that while consultants had been appointed and the alignment of the expressway finalised, no further steps would be taken at this time. He did not comment on whether the proposal might be resubmitted in the future.

Widespread Opposition

The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, a greenfield project designed to connect Nagpur to Goa via Sindhudurg, faced significant resistance from residents in several districts. Farmers, in particular, were opposed to the land acquisition, leading to protests in various regions. The opposition has been notably strong in western Maharashtra, where the Congress party has been vocal in its resistance.

The expressway, intended as an access-controlled route, was expected to significantly reduce travel time between Nagpur and Goa, cutting it down from 21 hours to approximately 10 hours. The route was also designed to provide access to several significant Hindu pilgrimage sites, including two Jyotirlingas. However, the project, estimated to cost Rs 84,000 crore, has been fraught with controversy, particularly over the proposed acquisition of 8,100 hectares of private agricultural land.

Political And Legislative Backlash

The project has also sparked political backlash, particularly in Kolhapur. Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushriff, who represents the Kolhapur constituency, has been particularly outspoken, highlighting the potential impact on farmers who would be rendered landless. Mushriff has actively lobbied against the project, raising the issue with Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The controversy surrounding the expressway also surfaced during the recent monsoon session of the Maharashtra state legislature. Congress MLC Satej Patil, along with other legislators, demanded the project be scrapped, questioning its necessity given the existence of alternative roads. Patil has called for the state government to officially cancel the project rather than merely putting it on hold.