Maharashtra will soon have a new expressway connecting Nagpur and Goa. This new Nagpur-Goa route has been named Shaktipeeth Expressway. The 802 km long six-lane corridor is set to revolutionise transportation between Nagpur and Goa.
New Expressway: Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has designed the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. The Shakti Expressway will reduce travel time from 18-20 hours to just 8-10 hours. By increasing connectivity across 12 districts, it aims to promote tourism, regional development and access to spiritual sites.
Shaktipeeth Expressway Route
The Shaktipeeth Expressway starts from Pawanar in Wardha district and ends at Patradevi on the Maharashtra-Goa border. It passes through 12 districts including Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani and Sindhudurg. By creating a faster and more convenient route, the project will boost regional tourism and development.
Linking pilgrimage and progress
A key feature of the expressway is its ability to connect important pilgrimage sites. Stretching from Wardha to Sindhudurg, the expressway will facilitate easy movement of pilgrims and tourists, thereby promoting spiritual tourism and boosting economic development in the region.
Why the name Shaktipeeth Expressway?
The Nagpur Goa Expressway has been named Shaktipeeth Expressway. The reason behind this is the three Shaktipeeths that fall on this highway. Mahalaxmi, Tulja Bhavani and Patradevi Shaktipeeths fall on this route.
Which famous religious places of Maharashtra are being connected by the expressway?
The expressway is covering three religious places. Tuljapur near Solapur, Mahalaxmi and Patra Devi in Kolhapur. The connectivity between Wardha and Sindhudurg will also increase access to various major pilgrimage sites, boosting spiritual and economic development.
How much did it cost to build the Shaktipeeth Express
Villages along the Shaktipeeth Expressway routeThe expressway will pass through villages like Sangawade, Sangawadewadi, Halaswade, Nerli, Vikaswadi, Kaneriwadi, Kaneri, Kogil Budruk and Khebwade. This integration of rural areas is expected to boost economic opportunities and development in these areas. The cost of Shaktipeeth Expressway is around Rs 86000 crore
India’s longest expressway
This expressway will surpass the 701 km long Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway to become one of the longest highways in India. Beyond its physical expanse, it symbolises the connection between cultural traditions and the economic aspirations of the people of Maharashtra. The achievement of the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway to become one of the longest highways in India goes beyond its length.
Benefits of Shaktipeeth Expressway
It will serve as a bridge between the people, their religious traditions and economic aspirations. Its scope extends far beyond reducing travel time. By connecting districts, boosting economic development and linking Nagpur and Goa, it aims to improve the quality of life of millions of people. This initiative is set to be a transformational project for the state and its people.
Overcoming obstacles
The project has moved ahead despite facing several challenges. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed to expedite land acquisition efforts, which helped push the Rs 86,000 crore initiative forward. Built on the lines of the Samruddhi Expressway, this expressway reflects the state’s commitment to improving infrastructure and reducing travel time.
