The long-pending Mumbai–Goa highway project is finally nearing completion, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday, announcing that the remaining work will be finished within the next two months.
The ambitious road project, a crucial link between Maharashtra's financial capital and the Konkan region, is currently 93% complete, Gadkari said, adding that he will personally inspect the highway on April 10 to review progress on the ground.
“The Mumbai–Goa highway has been delayed for a very long time. But now, we are confident that it will be completed in the next two months,” the minister said.
Land acquisition issues and contractor-related delays have hampered progress in certain sections of the highway. “There are some problem areas where land acquisition has taken time, and in a few places, contractors have not performed as expected,” Gadkari said, noting that corrective steps are being taken to ensure timely completion.
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Another challenge has been waterlogging in low-lying stretches, particularly during the monsoon season, which has affected construction work and road usability. However, Gadkari maintained that these issues are limited in scope. “There are places where waterlogging causes problems, but by and large, the quality of the road is good,” he said.
The minister also pointed out that forest clearances have delayed work on some stretches of the highway. “There are a few portions where roads are incomplete because they pass through forest areas. We are taking clarifications first-hand and resolving these issues in coordination with the concerned authorities,” he said.
Once completed, the Mumbai–Goa highway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, boost tourism in the Konkan belt, and improve connectivity for trade and transport. The project has been closely watched, with repeated deadlines missed over the years, making Gadkari's latest assurance a crucial one for commuters and businesses alike.
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