• By Nidhi Giri
  • Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:32 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway: The 802-Km-long Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway from Wardha to Sindhudurg has gained momentum with a renewed environmental clearance plan. The six-lane Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, developed under the leadership of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has given a new application for environmental clearance. The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway will boost connectivity by linking Maharashtra’s prominent Shaktipeeths, shrines, and pilgrimage sites.

Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Progress

In August 2014, after 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. In a major update, the MSRDC has re-applied for clearance, giving several alignment options to address the above issues. The new plans cover the entire Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway stretch from Wardha to Sindhudurg.

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Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Details

Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Routes: Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway will start 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.

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Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Length: Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway will be 802 kilometres long and will surpass the 701-kilometre Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg), becoming one of India’s longest expressways.

Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway To Cut Travel Time: Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway is expected to cut travel time between Nagpur and Goa from the current 18-20 hours to approximately 8-10 hours.

Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Environmental Aspect: 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.

Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Current Status: The state government is now working to address these concerns regarding the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway 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.