Maharashtra Government Considers Realignment of Shaktipeeth Expressway Amid Protest

In light of protests, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde announced the government might realign the proposed 802-km Shaktipeeth Expressway. Shinde emphasized that the project will not proceed without public consent. Currently, land acquisition is paused while the government engages with farmers and stakeholders to address concerns.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday revealed that the state government is contemplating a realignment of the controversial Shaktipeeth Expressway project due to recent public protests. The primary focus, according to Shinde, is to ensure that no project will be forced upon the people without garnering their confidence and approval.

The proposed 802-kilometer expressway aims to connect Pavnar in Wardha district to Patradevi in Sindhudurg, passing through 12 districts before entering Goa. Shinde highlighted the precedent set by the Samruddhi Expressway, which was completed in consultation with all stakeholders, as a model of how public consensus can drive project execution.

Land acquisition for the Shaktipeeth Expressway has been temporarily halted. State Minister Dada Bhuse, who chairs the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), stated that acquisition would only proceed after thorough discussions with farmers and addressing their concerns. The government has already received multiple representations against the current land acquisition plans, prompting a more consultative approach moving forward.

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