Maharashtra CM Reviews Mumbai-Goa Highway Amid Criticism: Pre-Ganesh Chaturthi Prep Underway

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde visited Raigad district to review ongoing work on the Mumbai-Goa Highway ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The visit followed criticism from Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam towards BJP and PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan. Shinde stressed using advanced technology for repairs and warned contractors against substandard work.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conducted a site visit in Raigad district on Monday to review the pending work on the Mumbai-Goa Highway ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

His visit comes a week after Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam criticized BJP leader and Maharashtra PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan for the poor state of the highway, labeling him a "useless minister."

During the inspection, Shinde emphasized, ''We have used four types of advanced technology to repair potholes and damaged stretches of the highway, aiming to minimize inconvenience for those traveling to coastal districts for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.'' He added that officials from NHAI, MSRDC, and PWD have conducted thorough studies and devised effective solutions for the highway's issues.

Shinde also pointed out that while the Union Minister for Highways, Gadkari, had taken a keen interest and provided loans to contractors, some had neglected their responsibilities, leading to the current precarious situation. Shinde warned that these contractors would face action for substandard work.

Although the section of the highway from Ratnagiri to Goa is operational, parts in Raigad still need major improvements. As the Ganpati festival approaches, many travelers continue to face challenges due to substandard road conditions, particularly on the Mumbai-Goa route.

A resident of Dapoli commented, ''Despite annual reviews by ministers, there has been little improvement. People continue to suffer.'' The subpar road conditions remain a significant concern for both travelers and bus operators during the 10-day festival.

(With inputs from agencies.)