Shaktipeeth’s Stretch: 54 Extra Kilometers, ₹12,000 Extra Crores

The estimated cost of the Nagpur–Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway has increased by more than Rs 12,000 crore following a change in alignment prompted by sustained opposition from farmers in Kolhapur and other districts.

The total project cost is now expected to be around Rs 96,000 crore, with the expressway’s length increasing from 802 km to 856 km. The highway will pass through 13 districts and 395 villages. Originally announced in March 2023 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the project faced strong resistance during land acquisition in 2024, particularly in Kagal and Hatkanangle talukas, where farmers questioned the need for another road link between Nagpur and Goa.

After the Mahayuti government returned to power, the alignment was revised to address local concerns. Land acquisition has since been expedited, with Chief Minister Fadnavis directing officials to complete the process swiftly through coordination with local bodies and dialogue with affected farmers.

Commenting on the revised estimates, Anil Kumar Gaikwad, Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), said, “With the length of the highway increasing by 54 km, expenditure on land acquisition, construction, and allied works has risen. As per the revised assessment, the project cost is expected to be between Rs 95,000 crore and Rs 96,000 crore.”

News by Rahul Yelligetti.