Six-Lane Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Gains Momentum with Renewed Environmental Clearance Push

Shaktipeeth Expressway Set to Transform Nagpur-Goa Travel: 760 Km Green Corridor to Slash Journey Time(representational image)
The ambitious six-lane Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, spearheaded by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, is making progress as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has submitted a fresh application for environmental clearance. The expressway aims to enhance connectivity by linking Maharashtra’s prominent Shaktipeeths, shrines, and pilgrimage sites.
Background
In August, following opposition from local farmers during a delegation meeting with Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar in Kolhapur, the MSRDC withdrew its initial application for environmental clearance. Concerns raised included potential environmental damage and the impact on fertile lands.
Now, MSRDC has re-applied for clearance, presenting multiple alignment options to address these issues. The new plans cover the entire stretch, spanning from Wardha to Sindhudurg.
Project Highlights
Route and Scope: The Shaktipeeth Expressway will begin in Pavnar (Wardha district) and end at Patradevi on the Maharashtra-Goa state border. The route will pass through Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Latur, Beed, Osmanabad, Solapur, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg.
Length: At 802 kilometers, it will surpass the 701-kilometer Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg), becoming one of India’s longest expressways.
Travel Time Reduction: The expressway is expected to cut travel time between Nagpur and Goa from the current 18-20 hours to approximately 8-10 hours.
Support and Opposition: While landowners in Vidarbha and Marathwada have largely supported the project, significant opposition has come from the Sangli and Kolhapur districts due to concerns over environmental impact and loss of fertile land.
Current Status
The state government is now working to address these concerns by offering multiple alignment options and ensuring minimal environmental and social disruption. The renewed push for environmental clearance is seen as a major step forward in realizing this transformative infrastructure project.