**Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Major Expressway Project to Boost Pilgrimage Tourism**
The Maharashtra cabinet has recently sanctioned ₹20,787 crores for land acquisition related to the 802 km Maharashtra Shaktipeeth expressway, which will connect Pavnar in Wardha to Patradevi on the Maharashtra-Goa border. This expressway is set to link 12 districts, including Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg, and will integrate with the existing Konkan expressway.
The primary objective of this expressway is to enhance pilgrimage tourism by connecting significant spiritual sites, such as the Shaktipeeths of Mahur, Tuljapur, and Kolhapur, along with other revered locations like Ambajogai, the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, and the Jyotirlingas at Aundha Nagnath and Parli Vaijnath. Notably, the new corridor is expected to reduce travel time from Nagpur to Goa from 18 hours to just 8 hours.
Despite its potential to significantly boost tourism, the project has encountered strong opposition from farmers, particularly in Western Maharashtra, regarding land acquisition. Education Minister Hasan Mushrif and Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, both representing Kolhapur, expressed concerns during the cabinet meeting about the backlash from farmers, which had previously affected the Mahayuti coalition in recent elections. They emphasized the need for dialogue with the affected farmers to address their grievances.
In response to these concerns, the cabinet approved a partial alignment of the expressway from Pavnar to Sangli, covering over 700 km, while eliminating the route through Kolhapur’s Shirol, Karvir, Hatkanangale, Kagal, Bhudargad, and Ajara talukas. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to propose an alternative alignment for the Sangli-Sindhudurg stretch, with plans for consultations involving local stakeholders. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed the government’s commitment to adjusting the alignment to accommodate farmer concerns, emphasizing that there would be no forced implementation.
Positioned as a cultural and religious corridor, the expressway aims to improve connectivity across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Western Maharashtra, linking key pilgrimage sites such as the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, the Tulja Bhavani Temple in Dharashiv, and the Renuka Mata Shakti Peeth in Nanded. The project, managed by MSRDC, includes a ₹12,000 crore loan from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) for acquiring nearly 7,500 hectares of land.
In conclusion, while the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth expressway project holds promise for enhancing tourism and connectivity, it must navigate the challenges posed by local farmers to ensure a successful and inclusive implementation.
**FAQ**
**What is the purpose of the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth expressway?**
The expressway aims to enhance pilgrimage tourism by connecting major spiritual sites across Maharashtra and reducing travel time between Nagpur and Goa.
