Shaktipeeth Expressway: Nagpur-Goa Route, Timeline & Essential Facts

The Nagpur Goa Expressway, also known as Shaktipeeth Expressway, is anticipated to reshape connectivity across the state of Maharashtra by reducing travel time and expanding the economic potential of the state. The entire 760 km expressway is a large flagship project which will not only augment the infrastructure but industry itself as a means of advancing tourism and trade, and increasing socio-economic development.

Introduction

The Shaktipeeth Expressway is a game-changing project announced by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) that provides connectivity between Nagpur and Goa. The expressway is expected to reduce the transit time from 21 hours to 8 hours, and that alone will transform the places it touches. The expressway is an economic corridor, linking three Shakti Peethas – Mahalakshmi, Tuljabhavani, and Patradevi – and can facilitate regional cultural exchanges and tourism between these three places.

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Key Facts at a Glance

The table below highlights the primary details of the Shaktipeeth Expressway:

Project Overview and Historical Background

In September 2022, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the Shaktipeeth Expressway project, which would subsequently receive approval in the state government budget for FY 23-24 in March 2023. This project is estimated to cost around Rs 75,000 crore, and is led by the Government of Maharashtra as an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) project with plans to execute it to the highest modern standards of construction and control liabilities and guarantee performance. 

Key historical milestones include:

• September 2022: Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the project.
• January 2023: The project received initial bids.
• March 2023: Approval was granted in the state government budget for FY 23-24, kick-starting technical and feasibility studies.

This initiative forms part of a broader vision to enhance connectivity across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Western Maharashtra—regions that have long awaited improved infrastructure.

Route and Connectivity

The Shaktipeeth Expressway is intended to connect 11 districts – promoting remote or under-developed areas. The expressway would also skip highly congested urban areas like Mumbai and Pune, offering a faster, longer route directly from Nagpur to Goa. This new routing would significantly reduce travel time, while still connecting to the existing Mumbai Nagpur expressway, promoting regional accessibility.

Timeline and Milestones

While the final deadline for the Shaktipeeth Expressway is still under deliberation, the current projections indicate an opening to traffic by 2028 or 2029. Key phases in the timeline include:

• Planning & Approval: Initiated in late 2022 and approved in early 2023.
• Technical & Feasibility Studies: Underway to ensure sustainable project execution.
• Construction Phase: Employing EPC methodologies to secure performance guarantees.
• Project Completion: Expected within the next 5–7 years, marking a drastic reduction in travel time between Nagpur and Goa.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Economic Boost

The Shaktipeeth Expressway is more than just a highway—it is an economic lifeline anticipated to:

• Enhance Trade: By reducing travel time, smoother export-import (EXIM) operations between Nagpur and Goa will be facilitated.
• Create Jobs: Agri-based and industrial projects along the route are expected to generate significant employment opportunities.
• Stimulate Real Estate: Improved connectivity is likely to boost property values and spur new housing and commercial developments in both Nagpur and Goa.

Environmental Considerations

Despite its many advantages, the project raises environmental concerns:

• Loss of Fertile Land: Around 481 acres of agricultural land might be repurposed for the expressway, affecting local farming.
• Deforestation: Clearing vegetation in 12 districts could disrupt local ecosystems. To mitigate this, the government plans a Green Corridor initiative, planting thousands of trees and shrubs along the route.

Tourism and Religious Significance

A remarkable aspect of the Shaktipeeth Expressway is its contribution to religious tourism; it connects three prominent Shakti Peethas, namely Mahalakshmi, Tuljabhavani, and Patradevi which are considered seats of power and spiritual centers. The linkages not only enhance the culture of the region but also boost the tourism industry as it provides a pilgrimage route that gathers devotees and tourists from all over the country.

Additional tourist attractions along the route include:

• Sewagram
• Karanja Lad
• Mahur
• Aundha
• Nagnath
• Takhat Sachkhand Gurudwara (Nanded)
• Parli Vaijnath
• Ambagogai
• Latur
• Osmanabad
• Adampur of Saint Balumama
• Manalvedha
• Kunkeswar
• Narsobachiwadi

Real Estate Potential and Future Prospects

There is no discussion about improved infrastructure being the the catalyst to propel economic development, especially in real estate. Nagpur is already establishing itself as a logistical center, which will be improved and enhanced by the Shaktipeeth Expressway. Developers are already positioned to take advantage of a direct route to Goa for new projects that will create better transportation and greater economic development. The properties in Goa will also see a spike in activity as driving becomes easier and makes it a more desirable destination for getaway homes and property investment.

Conclusion

The Shaktipeeth Expressway is not only a highway, but it is a progressive scheme to enhance connectivity in the region, promote economic development, and stimulate tourism to Maharashtra and Goa.  The expressway will provide a more contemporary and organized travel choice that eliminates lots of hours of travel time, compared to congested urban roads, and it will deliver a less chaotic and safe experience for travelers.  While the environmental issues persist, the development of the project and the strategy of the development including approaches such as the Green Corridor provide a balanced approach to improving and enhancing development through environmental consciousness. 

As the flagship development continues to unfold, the proof of the enhanced development scheme will appear in increased trade, jobs, and an increase in cultural and religious tourism into the region, marking a new era of interconnectedness and enhanced prosperity to the region.

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