Shaktipeeth Expressway Realigned: Route To Pass Through Satara, Chandgad; Mumbai Connectivity Also Planned

Facing strong opposition and political pressure, the Maharashtra government has altered the alignment of the Nagpur–Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, extending it through new districts and linking it to routes leading towards Mumbai.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has made a major change to the alignment of the proposed Nagpur–Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, altering nearly 280 km of its original route. The revised plan now brings parts of Satara district into the project and diverts the highway through Chandgad in Kolhapur, while also creating future connectivity options towards Mumbai.

The Shaktipeeth Expressway, originally planned as an 803-km-long corridor from Pavnar in Wardha district to Patradevi near the Goa border, is one of Maharashtra’s most ambitious road projects. Modeled on the Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, it aims to connect Vidarbha, Marathwada, Western Maharashtra and Konkan through a high-speed corridor. With the revised alignment, the highway length is expected to increase to around 840 km, making it the longest expressway in the state.

According to MSRDC officials, the alignment change was prompted by sustained opposition from farmers and landowners, particularly in Kolhapur district, where concerns were raised about loss of fertile agricultural land and environmental impact. Protests against land acquisition had stalled the project for over a year, and the issue reportedly affected the ruling Mahayuti alliance during the recent Lok Sabha elections in parts of Western Maharashtra.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently confirmed that the expressway would be rerouted through Chandgad in Kolhapur district following a rally organised by independent MLA Shivaji Patil in support of the project. Addressing a public meeting during a municipal council election campaign, Fadnavis said highways play a crucial role in transforming regional economies by attracting industry and generating employment.

“Following the demand raised by MLA Shivaji Patil, we changed the alignment of the Shaktipeeth Expressway and decided to pass it through Chandgad. Residents of Chandgad will be able to reach Goa much faster,” the chief minister said.

Under the revised alignment, sections that faced the strongest opposition in Kolhapur will be bypassed. The route will now pass through Chandgad and Ajra, and also enter parts of Satara district. MSRDC has confirmed that around 280 km of the original alignment has been modified, primarily from the Solapur stretch onwards. The exact villages and land parcels in Satara will be finalised after the new alignment receives formal approval.

The project cost is estimated at around ₹90,000 crore, though earlier projections had placed it between ₹86,000 crore and ₹1 lakh crore. Once approved, joint land measurements and acquisition will begin in newly added areas. Actual construction is expected to start after at least 70 per cent of land acquisition is completed.

In addition to Goa connectivity, the revised plan also factors in improved access to Mumbai. The Shaktipeeth Expressway will be linked to the Jan Kalyan Highway at Murud in Latur district. This 442-km corridor, running from Wardha to Sangli via Latur and Solapur, will allow vehicles to reach Mumbai through the Jan Kalyan Highway and the Mumbai–Barshi Road. The expressway is also planned to connect with the proposed Virar–Alibaug multi-purpose corridor, strengthening links to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in the future.

Beyond logistics and travel time reduction, the expressway is expected to boost religious tourism. The corridor connects several major pilgrimage sites including Sevagram Ashram, Renuka Mata, Aundha Nagnath, Nanded Gurudwara, Latur–Siddheshwar, Parli Vaijnath, Pandharpur, Tuljabhavani, Kolhapur’s Mahalaxmi temple and Patradevi. The Nagpur–Goa journey, which currently takes 21–22 hours, is expected to be reduced to around 10 hours.

Despite the alignment changes, opposition has not entirely subsided. Farmers and environmental groups continue to seek clarity on land acquisition, compensation, and ecological safeguards, especially in sensitive regions. The state government, however, maintains that the revised alignment balances development needs with local concerns.

With the new route, the Shaktipeeth Expressway is now positioned not just as a Nagpur–Goa corridor, but as a multi-regional connectivity project that could reshape travel, industry, and tourism across Maharashtra.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Project routes, costs, and timelines are subject to approvals and official notifications.