Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Begins Soon, But Farmers Rally Against Land Loss

Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan has confirmed that work on the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway will begin soon, despite strong opposition from farmers, according to a Times Now report. The 802-kilometre greenfield project will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 86,300 crore.

The expressway is designed to improve connectivity to major religious pilgrimage sites along its route. However, farmers, especially those from the sugar belt of Western Maharashtra, are concerned about losing their land. Many have strongly opposed the project and are planning a protest rally in Mumbai in the second week of March, as reported by The Indian Express.

Speaking at the joint session on the first day of the Maharashtra Assembly Budget Session, the Governor assured that the project would be completed after taking all stakeholders into confidence. He emphasised that the expressway would not only reduce travel time but also contribute to economic growth in the region.

In addition to this project, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to construct 7,480 kilometres of roads using cement concretisation under various Public Works Department (PWD) schemes. This technique is expected to improve the durability of roads and ensure safer, more efficient transportation across the state.

Shaktipeeth Expressway Route

Once completed, the Shaktipeeth Expressway will connect Pavnar in Wardha district to Patradevi in Sindhudurg district. The highway will pass through 11 districts: Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Latur, Beed, Dharashiv, Solapur, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg.

Authorities believe the project will significantly improve road infrastructure, but farmers remain concerned about the loss of agricultural land. Their upcoming protest in Mumbai is expected to draw attention to their demands and concerns regarding land acquisition.