The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has stated that it is exploring alternative alignments in some stretches for the 802-km-long Nagpur-Goa Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Expressway. The transformative expressway will stretch from Wardha in Vidarbha to the Maharashtra-Goa border, reducing the current travel time between Nagpur and Goa from 18 hours to a remarkable eight hours.
“Currently, the government’s focus is on land acquisition, which involves an estimated cost of Rs 12,000 crore. Joint measurement surveys are underway, and although most of the alignment is finalized, minor realignments may be required, potentially affecting the project’s overall cost,” Joint Managing Director of MSRDC, Rajesh Patil said.
Emphasising that its importance lies in improving connectivity towards the southern regions of Maharashtra, Patil said, “While the Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg (HBTMSM) connected Nagpur to Mumbai and northern Maharashtra, the Shaktipeeth Expressway will serve as a critical southward link, bridging geographical and cultural divides.”
By connecting the districts of Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Sangli, and Sindhudurg, the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Expressway will form a seamless transport network that will bolster economic growth and enhances the quality of life for millions.
The expressway’s alignment begins at Pawnar in Wardha and concludes at Patradevi in Sindhudurg, strategically linking it with the Konkan Expressway near the Goa-Maharashtra border. With a focus on religious and cultural tourism, the route will pass through iconic pilgrimage sites, including Mahur, Tuljapur, Aundha Nagnath, Parli Vaijnath, Pandharpur, Karanja (Lad), Akkalkot, Gangapur, Narsobachi Wadi, and Audumbar.
Once completed, the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Expressway will stand as a testament to the state’s commitment to holistic regional development. By connecting industrial hubs, religious landmarks, and scenic destinations, the expressway aims to unify Maharashtra’s cultural and spiritual heritage, while driving progress and prosperity across its length and breadth.
