Exciting news! The Nagpur Goa Expressway, also known as the Shaktipeeth Expressway, has officially been approved by the Government of Maharashtra. This new expressway is a game-changer for transportation in the region, making travel faster, smoother, and connecting key cities in Maharashtra and Goa. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation will handle land acquisition and maintenance, and that’s expected to start soon.
Why “Shaktipeeth Expressway,” you ask? Well, the route passes through three major Shaktipeeths—Ambajogai, Mahur, and Tuljapur—which are important pilgrimage sites in the region. Plus, it links to various highways and expressways to make travel even easier.
Quick Overview of Nagpur Goa Expressway
- Length: 760 km
- Cost: Rs. 83,600 crore
- Lanes: 6
- Starting Point: Pavnar, Wardha district, Maharashtra
- Ending Point: Patradevi, North Goa district, Goa
- Expected Completion: 2028/29
What’s the Nagpur Goa Expressway All About?
The Nagpur Goa Expressway is set to stretch across 760 km, featuring six lanes to ensure smooth traffic flow. Starting from Pavnar in Wardha district, Maharashtra, and ending in Patradevi, Goa, the expressway will cut down travel time drastically—from 21 hours to just 8 hours! Imagine shaving off that much time on your road trips!
This expressway is more than just a convenience for travelers. It’s a strategic move by the state government to connect areas in Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Western Maharashtra that aren’t covered by the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway. By doing so, it’s expected to drive economic growth, promote tourism, and make transportation more efficient.
Nagpur Goa Expressway Route: Where Does It Go?
The expressway will pass through 10 districts in Maharashtra and 1 district in Goa. Here’s a quick look at the places it’ll cover:
Maharashtra
- Yavatmal
- Hingoli
- Nanded
- Parbhani
- Latur
- Beed
- Osmanabad
- Solapur
- Kolhapur
- Sindhudurg
Goa
- Patradevi, North Goa District
Timeline for the Nagpur Goa Expressway
The Nagpur Goa Expressway is a massive project, with a budget of Rs 83,600 crore. It was initially announced in September 2022 and approved by the government in March 2023. While construction hasn’t begun yet, the project is expected to be completed between 2028-2029.
Once operational, this expressway will drastically reduce travel time, boosting tourism, trade, and economic development across the region. It’s not just a road; it’s an avenue for growth and opportunity!
Progress So Far
Good news! The first phase of the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway opened in December 2022, and the Goa-Nagpur Expressway is next on the list. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans for this project in September 2022. By March 2023, the government had approved the budget, and now they’re in the process of finalizing technical reports and selecting consultants. Construction is expected to take about 5 to 7 years.
Benefits of the Nagpur Goa Expressway
So, why is this expressway such a big deal? Here are some of the major benefits:
- Faster Travel: The journey from Nagpur to Goa will be slashed from 21 hours to just 8!
- Boost to Tourism: Connecting pilgrimage sites and tourist spots in Maharashtra and Goa will drive more visitors to the region.
- Economic Growth: Better connectivity means more trade, especially for industries and agriculture, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
- Green Corridor: The government plans to plant thousands of trees along the expressway, making it a more eco-friendly project.
Also read: Trans Haryana Expressway
Wrapping Up: A Road to the Future
The Nagpur Goa Expressway (aka Shaktipeeth Expressway) is set to revolutionize travel in Maharashtra and Goa, making long journeys much shorter and helping develop the regions it passes through. From faster road trips to increased tourism and job opportunities, the expressway promises to bring significant benefits. By 2028-29, we’ll be cruising down this road, enjoying smooth rides and easier access to everything from beaches in Goa to pilgrimage spots in Maharashtra.
Keep an eye on this project—big things are coming!