Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway: A Journey of 21 Hours Cut To 10.5 Hours—But At What Cost?

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is preparing to restart the land acquisition survey for the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, a project spanning 802 kilometres, according to a Free Press Journal. This survey was paused last year due to intense protests that occurred before the state legislative assembly elections.

This new expressway aims to significantly cut travel time between Nagpur and Goa from 21 hours to about 10.5 hours. However, it has faced strong opposition from farmers and activists. Many critics express concerns that the project will lead to displacement, loss of fertile agricultural land, inadequate compensation, and insufficient environmental impact assessments.

Now that the elections are over, the MSRDC plans to resume the survey within two weeks, excluding Kolhapur. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Kolhapur, Solapur, and Sangli experienced the most significant protests since June 2024, which led the government to pause ground activities in September. Out of the 27,000 acres required for the expressway, approximately 9,500 acres will need to be acquired from these three districts.

Once the survey is complete, the land acquisition process will begin, which is expected to take a few months. The state government aims to complete the expressway by the end of 2029, making it Maharashtra's longest expressway, surpassing the 701-kilometre Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, which connects Mumbai and Nagpur.

Opposition Plans Firm Protests Against the Project

Opposition to the expressway remains strong. The Congress party has announced intentions to protest against the project, arguing that it will make farmers from 12 districts homeless, despite existing routes between Nagpur and Goa. Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Satej Patil has warned of street protests rather than legal actions, with a major demonstration planned outside the state assembly on March 12 during the budget session, which runs from March 3 to 25.

The expressway will pass through several districts, including Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Latur, Beed, Dharashiv (Osmanabad), Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg. Kolhapur, under the leadership of MLC Patil, has become a central hub for resistance. In Latur, farmers organized by the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana protested outside Tehsil offices on January 24, raising concerns about the acquisition of 481 acres of farmland and its potential impact on local agriculture.

Plans To Extend the Expressway To Mopa Airport

The expressway will begin at Pavnar near Wardha and extend to Patradevi in North Goa, integrating with the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway to improve connectivity. In a recent meeting, Maharashtra officials requested permission from their Goan counterparts to allow additional construction near the newly opened Manohar International Airport at Mopa, aiming to enhance accessibility and promote economic growth.