The Maharashtra government has officially revived the ambitious Shaktipeeth Expressway by approving ₹20,000 crore for land acquisition and initial planning. The Cabinet, chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis, made the decision on Tuesday, signaling strong political intent to push forward a project that was halted in 2024 due to widespread farmer protests.
The total cost of the expressway is pegged at ₹80,000 crore.
Connecting Faith and Development Across Maharashtra
The 802-kilometre expressway, called the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Mahamarg, will stretch from Pavnar in Wardha to Patradevi in Sindhudurg, near the Goa border. Designed as a religious and cultural corridor, the expressway will connect 18 major pilgrimage spots, including Shaktipeeths, Jyotirlingas, and spiritual centers such as Pandharpur and Ambajogai.
It will traverse 11 districts, including Wardha, Solapur, Kolhapur, and Nanded.
Farmer Opposition and Land Acquisition Challenges
Initially paused in June 2024 under CM Eknath Shinde due to strong opposition from farmers and political leaders, the project faced hurdles over land acquisition. Of the 8,419 hectares required, nearly 8,100 hectares belong to private farmers, many of whom were unwilling to part with fertile agricultural land.
Protests were especially intense in Kolhapur and the sugar belt region.
Implementation and Oversight
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will implement the expressway, with the Public Works Department (PWD) overseeing the land acquisition and planning. CM Fadnavis ordered the revival of the project shortly after assuming office in January 2025, emphasizing the government’s focus on infrastructure-led growth.
Expected Benefits: Tourism, Connectivity, and Growth
Officials say the Shaktipeeth Expressway will drastically reduce travel time and improve accessibility to remote spiritual and rural regions. It is also expected to boost local economies by enhancing tourism and opening up underdeveloped regions of Vidarbha, Marathwada, and western Maharashtra.
By combining infrastructure with cultural heritage, the project promises both spiritual and economic upliftment.
