Mumbai-Goa Highway Project Faces Further Delays
The long-pending Mumbai-Goa Highway project has been under construction for over 14 years, causing frustration among commuters and sparking political controversies. With governments in Maharashtra and Goa, ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citizens are hopeful that the project will finally see completion under a unified leadership. The existing road is in such a bad condition on several stretches that Mumbaikars prefer to take the Satara route to Goa. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state Public Works Department (PWD) recently announced that the highway expansion would face further delays, with a new target set for completion in the next two years. The then PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan had admitted in September last year that the construction on key segments, including 14 bridges and surrounding service roads, remains behind schedule. “We aim to complete this work within the next two years,” he said, acknowledging the challenges that have plagued the project since its inception. The 555-kilometre highway, which connects Mumbai with Goa, serves as a critical route for industrial, trade, and tourism sectors. Of this, 471 kilometres fall within Maharashtra, passing through important regions such as Panvel, Mahad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Originally planned under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, the project was divided into 10 construction packages awarded to different contractors. However, issues with forest clearances, land acquisition hurdles, and subpar construction work have led to repeated delays. One of the most awaited sections is the twin tunnels at Kashedi Ghat, designed to improve safety and speed on the mountainous stretch. An official from PWD stated that construction work on both tunnels is in its final phase. “We are working diligently to make the tunnels fully operational by Republic Day, January 26,” he said. Previously opened for Ganeshotsav traffic, the tunnels were closed again due to water leakage and electrical issues. The tunnels became a point of political contention, with leaders inspecting the site and blaming administrative lapses for the delays. The highway project has been a subject of political mudslinging between successive governments, each blaming the other for the stalled progress. However, with renewed promises and a unified party governance in both states, citizens are cautiously optimistic that the Mumbai-Goa highway will finally deliver on its promise of a faster, safer journey by 2027. Until then, patience continues to wear thin among daily commuters and festival travellers alike.
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