Maharashtra Cabinet Clears Rs 20,787 Crore for Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway
Mumbai, 25th June 2025: In a significant push to revive a long-pending infrastructure project, the Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved a provision of ₹20,787 crore to fast-track the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, a project seen as crucial for regional connectivity but politically sensitive due to past protests.
The 802.6-kilometre expressway is set to link Pawnar in Wardha district (Vidarbha region) to Patradevi in Sindhudurg district (Konkan region), traversing through 12 districts including Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Sangli, and Kolhapur. It is eventually expected to integrate with the Konkan Greenfield Expressway at the Goa-Maharashtra border.
Cabinet Greenlights Funding, Reaffirms Development Focus
Government officials confirmed that the newly sanctioned funds will support the next phase of the project, particularly land acquisition and initial construction works. In addition, a loan of ₹12,000 crore from HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation) has been approved to facilitate land procurement.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking after the cabinet meeting, emphasized that the project will not move forward without addressing the concerns of affected farmers and landowners.
“This expressway will be a game-changer for Vidarbha, Marathwada, Western Maharashtra, and Konkan,” said Shinde. “We are aware that there are objections in areas with fertile land and smaller landholdings. Let me assure everyone that we will work in dialogue with local communities. Multiple alternatives will be offered to reach a consensus. No decision will be imposed.”
Project Previously Delayed Over Protests
The project, with an estimated cost of ₹80,000 crore, had previously hit a roadblock in 2023 when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and several farmer groups launched statewide protests. The agitation forced the state to pause land acquisition until after the state assembly elections.
Now, with renewed political backing and cabinet approval, the state aims to reposition the expressway as a catalyst for balanced development across economically diverse regions. Officials say that once completed, the Shaktipeeth Expressway will drastically reduce travel time between the state’s hinterland and coastal belt, enhancing trade, tourism, and logistics.
Farmers Still Wary
While the government has promised a consultative approach, farmer groups in parts of Marathwada and Western Maharashtra remain cautious. Activist networks have demanded transparent compensation, fair land valuation, and alternative alignment studies to avoid fertile zones.
Government sources indicated that public consultations and village-level hearings will be scheduled in July to pre-empt further dissent.
Strategic Importance
Planned as a multi-lane greenfield corridor, the expressway is expected to stimulate industrial growth, decongest existing highways, and improve emergency response during natural disasters in the Konkan region. It will also provide better connectivity to pilgrimage sites, hence its designation as “Shaktipeeth Expressway.”
With the cabinet’s financial approval in place, construction activity is expected to resume in phases later this year, subject to environmental and social clearances.
