All You Need to Know About the 802-km Shaktipeeth Expressway: Route, Districts, Travel Time, and Cost for India’s Longest Highway

All You Need to Know About the 802-km Shaktipeeth Expressway: Route, Districts, Travel Time, and Cost for India's Longest Highway
Maharashtra is set to introduce a new expressway that will connect Nagpur and Goa. The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway is an impressive 802-kilometer six-lane corridor that promises to transform transportation between these two locations. Developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), this expressway will significantly cut down travel time from 18-20 hours to just 8-10 hours. It will improve connectivity across 12 districts, aiming to enhance tourism, spur regional growth, and provide better access to spiritual sites.
The expressway starts in Pavnar, located in the Wardha district, and ends at Patradevi on the Maharashtra-Goa border. It traverses through 12 districts, including Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, and Sindhudurg. By establishing a quicker and more efficient route, this project is expected to promote regional tourism and development.
Connecting pilgrimage and progress is a significant aspect of the expressway
One of its main advantages is the ability to link key pilgrimage sites, making it easier for devotees and tourists to access them. The expressway will stretch from Wardha to Sindhudurg, promoting spiritual tourism and contributing to economic growth in the area. It will connect three important religious sites: Tuljapur near Solapur, Mahalaxmi in Kolhapur, and Patra Devi. This improved connectivity between Wardha and Sindhudurg will enhance access to various major pilgrimage locations, further boosting both spiritual and economic development in the region.
Shaktipeeth Expressway will pass through these villages
The Shaktipeeth Expressway will pass through several villages, including Sangavade, Halasavade, Nerli, Sangavadewadi, Vikaswadi, Kaneriwadi, Kaneri, Kogil Budruk, and Khebwade. This integration of rural areas along the route is anticipated to create new economic opportunities and foster development in these regions. By connecting these villages to major urban centers, the expressway will facilitate better access to markets, services, and resources, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the local communities.
India’s Longest Highways
The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway is set to be longer than the 701-kilometer Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway, making it one of the longest highways in India. Its importance goes beyond just its size; it will serve as a connection between communities, their cultural practices, and their economic goals.
Shaktipeeth Expressway Cost
The estimated cost of the Shaktipeeth Expressway is approximately Rs 86,000 crore.
Difficulties
There are some environmental issues associated with this project. Previously, the MSRDC’s proposal was withdrawn in 2014 due to concerns about potential ecological harm and the loss of productive agricultural land. To tackle these issues, the MSRDC has submitted a revised application for environmental clearance, backed by key political figures like Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar. Efforts are being made to find solutions, including suggesting alternative routes, to reduce the ecological impact of the project.
Symbolism
The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway represents advancement and togetherness. It will not only shorten the travel time to important Shaktipeeth pilgrimage locations but also promote economic development and tourism. This expressway reflects the government’s commitment to integrating infrastructure growth with environmental and social accountability, paving the way for a more connected future for Maharashtra. Through this initiative, the government aims to transform the future of travel in the region.
Advocates of the initiative
The initiative has garnered backing from landowners in Vidarbha and Marathwada; however, there is still opposition in areas such as Sangli and Kolhapur, where worries about losing agricultural land continue. The government’s promise to tackle these issues openly and respond to local concerns shows its commitment to balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection.