I am ashamed of myself: Mumbai-Goa highway was supposed to be completed in 2016, not done yet, will not attend the inauguration; I will make a record of blacklisting contractors

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has expressed his displeasure over the delay in the expansion of the Mumbai-Goa highway. He said that the project has been delayed so much that he feels ashamed. Gadkari also said that he will not go to the inauguration event to be held after the completion of the highway. The expansion of the Mumbai-Goa highway has been going on for a long time. According to Gadkari, about 93-94% of its work has been completed. Even though 93-94% of the work is completed, problems at many places Despite the completion of the work on the nearly 440 km long stretch of the Mumbai-Goa highway, problems like potholes, waterlogging, repairs and traffic jams are coming to the fore at many places. After the recent rains, complaints of road deterioration have also been received in some newly constructed parts. The toll on the highway started at the Kharpada toll plaza in May. However, work and improvements are continuing in some parts of the project. An overpass for monkeys built in 2021 on the highway has also collapsed, raising questions about safety. The highway was supposed to be completed by 2016. The widening work of the Mumbai-Goa highway is going on much behind schedule. The project was earlier scheduled to be completed by 2016, but due to issues related to land acquisition, pre-construction clearances and contractors, the work was continuously delayed. In 2024, the central government also told Parliament that the project was affected due to land acquisition and financial difficulties of some contractors. This highway connects Mumbai with Goa via the Konkan route. Its part of Maharashtra is about 460 km. This route of the project is also considered important in terms of tourism and local business. Preparation of action against contractors and officials in collusion Gadkari has hinted at strict action against the contractors and officials responsible for delay in highway work and poor work. He said that he wants to set a record of blacklisting the maximum number of contractors and suspending officials. He says that those who do not work on time and quality will not be spared. He also said that there should be no compromise with the quality of road construction. After the completion of the highway work, he himself will travel by road from Mumbai to Goa to see its condition. Inauguration of 5.15 km Elevated Corridor in Goa Gadkari on Wednesday inaugurated the 5.15 km long six-lane elevated corridor in Porvorim, Goa. It is a part of the Mumbai-Goa highway i.e. NH-66. Built at a cost of about Rs 641 crore, the corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Mapusa and Panaji from about 40 minutes to 10 minutes during peak hours.