Maharashtra Cabinet Approves ₹20,787 Crore for Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway to Boost Regional Connectivity
Mumbai, 25th June 2025: In a major infrastructure push, the Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved ₹20,787 crore to fast-track the long-pending Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, a project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity but previously stalled due to political and farmer protests.
Cabinet Greenlights Funding, Focuses on Land Acquisition
The 802.6-kilometre expressway will connect Pawnar in Wardha district (Vidarbha) to Patradevi in Sindhudurg (Konkan), passing through 12 districts, including Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Sangli, and Kolhapur. It will eventually link with the Konkan Greenfield Expressway at the Goa-Maharashtra border.
The newly sanctioned funds will support land acquisition and initial construction, while an additional ₹12,000 crore loan from HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation) has been approved to facilitate land procurement.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that the project would not proceed without addressing farmers’ concerns.
“This expressway will be a game-changer for Vidarbha, Marathwada, Western Maharashtra, and Konkan,” Shinde said. “We will engage in dialogue with affected communities and explore multiple alternatives. No decision will be imposed.”
Project Previously Stalled Over Protests
The ₹80,000 crore expressway faced delays in 2023 when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and farmer groups protested, forcing the government to halt land acquisition until after state elections.
Now, with fresh political backing, the state aims to position the expressway as a catalyst for balanced regional development, reducing travel time between Maharashtra’s hinterland and coast, boosting trade, tourism, and logistics.
Farmers Remain Cautious
Despite government assurances, farmer groups in Marathwada and Western Maharashtra demand transparent compensation, fair land valuation, and alternative alignments to avoid fertile zones.
Officials confirmed that public consultations and village-level hearings will be held in July to address concerns.
Strategic and Economic Benefits
The multi-lane greenfield corridor is expected to:
✔ Stimulate industrial growth
✔ Decongest existing highways
✔ Improve emergency response in disaster-prone Konkan
✔ Enhance connectivity to pilgrimage sites (hence the name Shaktipeeth Expressway)
Construction is set to resume later this year, pending environmental and social clearances.
