Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Inspects Mumbai-Goa Highway

State Government Will Provide Funds to Complete the Mumbai-Goa Highway: Deputy CM

Raigad : The Mumbai-Goa National Highway project is progressing steadily, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today conducted an aerial and on-ground inspection of the highway work in Raigad district. He reviewed the challenges faced in completing the project and directed authorities to prioritize the completion of unfinished bridges, bypasses, and service roads. He also assured that the state government would allocate funds for components not covered by the National Highways Authority.

A review meeting was held at Anand Bhavan Hall in Mangaon under the chairmanship of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Present on the dais were Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare, MP Sunil Tatkare, District Collector Kishan Jawale, Superintendent of Police Somanath Gharge, and Zilla Parishad CEO Neha Bhosale.

The meeting reviewed the highway stretch from Panvel to Mahad in Raigad district. Detailed discussions were held on traffic congestion in Mangaon and Indapur. Expressing dissatisfaction over project delays, Deputy CM Pawar emphasized the state’s commitment to public service. He instructed that proposals be submitted for state funding wherever central support is unavailable and assured necessary budget provisions. He also directed the District Collector to submit complete proposals promptly.

Call for Alternative Routes

It is true that the Mangaon bypass cannot be completed immediately. However, alternative routes such as Indapur to Kashene Canal Road, Morba Road within Mangaon city, and Sai Nagar Canal Road to Mumbai-Goa Highway can be developed. Establishing a permanent route from Bhadav to Vinchavali will also ease traffic congestion. Since a sub-canal runs through Mangaon’s municipal limits and the Irrigation Department owns adjoining land, constructing a road alongside can help decongest traffic. If the central government does not assist, the state government will promptly provide funds for these alternatives. He instructed relevant agencies to immediately develop alternative routes.

Officials informed that although the tender for the Indapur-Mangaon bypass has been issued, the work order for the new contractor cannot be granted until completion of work at Lonere. The Deputy CM assured that high-level efforts would be made in this regard.

Prioritize Public Service Roads

Many small and large villages lie along the Mumbai-Goa Highway, and the local population frequently travels via this route. Providing adequate service to these citizens is a key responsibility. Where needed, service roads should be constructed. Given the heavy rainfall in the Konkan region, proper drainage should be ensured alongside these roads to prevent waterlogging. Service roads must be built at an appropriate elevation to allow even large vehicles to cross safely. He urged officials to plan and execute with the public’s interest in mind.

To address traffic congestion, he also ordered that heavy vehicles using the Mumbai-Goa Highway be diverted through alternate routes.

MP Sunil Tatkare and Minister Aditi Tatkare also shared suggestions related to the highway project. District Collector Kishan Jawale gave the welcome address. Senior officials from the district administration and National Highways Authority attended the meeting.