In a significant development, the Maharashtra state government has approved a ₹20,787 crore budget for the ambitious Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. However, strong opposition has emerged from Kolhapur, where local ministers and farmers have voiced firm resistance to the proposed route passing through the district.
✅ What Is the Shaktipeeth Expressway?
The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway is a proposed 802 km-long, six-lane expressway designed to connect spiritual and cultural hubs across Maharashtra—from Pavnar in Wardha to Patradevi on the Goa border in Sindhudurg. The route will link several Shaktipeeth temples and Jyotirlingas, aiming to boost religious tourism and reduce travel time between Nagpur and Goa from 18–20 hours to approximately 7–8 hours.
The project is spearheaded by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and the recent cabinet approval covers ₹12,000 crore for land acquisition (with funds sourced from HUDCO loans) and an additional ₹8,000+ crore for interest.
❌ Kolhapur Stands Firm Against Inclusion
Despite the state-wide green signal, Kolhapur’s political leaders have taken a strong stand against the highway passing through their district. Minister Hasan Mushrif, along with MLAs Rajendra Patil-Yadravkar and Ashok Mane, have publicly demanded that the expressway bypass Kolhapur entirely. They argue that the district already has adequate road infrastructure and that the proposed highway would unfairly impact local farmers by acquiring fertile agricultural land.
Speaking on behalf of the protesting public, Mushrif stated, “We are not against development, but not at the cost of farmers’ livelihoods. Kolhapur does not need another highway.”
🌾 Farmers Lead the Ground Resistance
Local farmers have intensified their protests in recent weeks. On June 9, several villagers halted survey work by MSEDCL officials, blocking efforts to assess land for potential use. Farmers have insisted that unless the government issues a formal cancellation notification for the Kolhapur route, they will continue their resistance through rasta-rokos and sit-in protests.
The primary concern revolves around loss of farmland and displacement without proper consultation. Many fear forced acquisition without adequate compensation or alternative arrangements.
🔄 Government Response & Way Forward
While the expressway is a pet project of the state government and seen as a transformative infrastructure upgrade, the resistance in Kolhapur presents a significant roadblock. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar are expected to hold discussions this week to explore route alternatives that bypass Kolhapur.
Sources close to the Chief Minister’s Office indicated that the project will not move forward in any area where local consent is not obtained. A rerouting plan is reportedly under consideration.
📌 Conclusion
As Maharashtra moves ahead with a massive infrastructure push through the Shaktipeeth Expressway, the opposition from Kolhapur serves as a reminder that development must strike a balance with local interests. With political and farmer unity on the ground, Kolhapur’s resistance could potentially reshape a major infrastructure project—highlighting the importance of community participation in developmental decisions.