In a major development aimed at improving infrastructure and connectivity in Maharashtra, the state government has approved the construction of the Shaktipeeth Expressway. The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting on June 24, 2025, where the government approved the project and allocated more than ₹20,000 crores in funding. This expressway is set to be the longest expressway within a single state in India, surpassing the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway and the Prayag Expressway in Uttar Pradesh in terms of length.

The Shaktipeeth Expressway will provide a direct, fast route from Nagpur to Goa, covering a distance of 805 kilometers. This is a significant leap forward in terms of travel time, as the journey that would normally take 18 hours by road will now be completed in just 8 hours, saving travelers a significant amount of time. This is expected to bring about a positive impact on both tourism and economic activities, benefiting various regions along its path.

Key Features of the Shaktipeeth Expressway

The Shaktipeeth Expressway will connect 12 districts of Maharashtra, benefiting both the Konkan region and Eastern Maharashtra. The expressway will serve as a direct link to Goa, facilitating easy access for residents and tourists alike. The project is being seen as a critical catalyst for the economic development of Maharashtra’s backward regions, especially in Vidarbha.

1. Faster Connectivity: Currently, traveling from Nagpur to Goa by road takes around 18 hours, but with the new expressway, it will be reduced to just 8 hours, thus saving around 10 hours.

2. Boost to Local Economy: The expressway will not only connect major industrial cities in Maharashtra but also provide smoother access to Goa, a popular tourist destination. This could significantly boost tourism, business, and trade in the region.

3. Strategic Link for Religious Sites: The expressway is named Shaktipeeth because it will connect key religious locations, including Mahalakshmi, Tuljabhavani, and Pitradevi temples. This makes it a vital route for pilgrims traveling to these revered places. Additionally, it will link Pandharpur, Nanded, and Sevagram, allowing for easier access to these sacred destinations. Takht Sachkhand Sahib, a prominent Sikh pilgrimage site in Nanded, will also be connected via this expressway.

Connecting Maharashtra’s Major Cities and Regions

The Shaktipeeth Expressway will span multiple districts in Maharashtra, improving both regional connectivity and the overall economic development of the state. Here are the districts that will benefit from the expressway:

1. Wardha

2. Yavatmal

3. Hingoli

4. Nanded

5. Parbhani

6. Latur

7. Beed

8. Osmanabad

9. Solapur

10. Sangli

11. Kolhapur

12. Sindhudurg

13. Nagpur

Each of these districts will experience increased connectivity, with smoother access to Goa, Mumbai, and other major economic hubs. As the expressway passes through several agricultural and industrial areas, it will provide a much-needed boost to local economies.

Historical Significance of the Project

The Shaktipeeth Expressway project is part of the broader vision of the Eknath Shinde government to improve Maharashtra’s infrastructure and drive economic growth. The proposal for the expressway was first put forward by Devendra Fadnavis during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister. Since then, the project has gained momentum, with the state government now formally giving the go-ahead for its construction.

This expressway is a major step forward in Maharashtra’s infrastructure development, and it’s expected to have a significant impact on both industrial growth and tourism. Maharashtra has been making significant strides in road connectivity, and this project will further solidify its position as one of the leading states in India in terms of transportation infrastructure.

Impact on Tourism and Industrial Development

One of the most exciting aspects of the Shaktipeeth Expressway is its potential to boost tourism. Goa, known for its beaches, vibrant culture, and relaxed lifestyle, attracts millions of tourists every year. With the expressway, travelers from Maharashtra, especially from Nagpur and other parts of Vidarbha, will have a faster and more convenient route to reach Goa. This is expected to enhance tourism not only in Goa but also in the regions along the expressway.

Moreover, the expressway will serve as a key link for industrial development in Maharashtra. By connecting Nagpur, an emerging industrial hub, with Goa, the state’s economy will benefit from enhanced connectivity, leading to greater trade opportunities and industrial growth.

Strategic Importance of the Shaktipeeth Expressway

The expressway will significantly improve the overall strategic connectivity between East Maharashtra, Konkan, and Goa. Its development is expected to foster better integration between these regions, which have historically been somewhat isolated due to geographical constraints. With better connectivity, regional industries, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, will have greater access to national and international markets.

Additionally, the expressway’s design will ensure that the road is equipped with modern amenities such as wide lanes, advanced toll systems, and safety measures, providing a state-of-the-art travel experience for commuters.

The Role of the Shaktipeeth Expressway in Maharashtra’s Development

The Shaktipeeth Expressway is not just a transportation project; it is a strategic initiative aimed at improving the state’s overall economic fabric. By connecting industrial cities like Nagpur, Solapur, and Kolhapur with the coastal region of Goa, the expressway will promote smoother movement of goods, services, and people. This will stimulate economic activity in both urban and rural areas, making Maharashtra a more attractive destination for businesses and investors.

The expressway will also contribute significantly to the regional development of the Vidarbha region, which has traditionally been less developed compared to the Western Maharashtra region. The improved connectivity will allow this region to better capitalize on its agricultural and industrial potential.

The Bigger Picture: Connecting Mumbai to Delhi

While the Shaktipeeth Expressway will be a milestone project for Maharashtra, it is not the only large-scale infrastructure initiative underway in the state. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which spans 1450 kilometers, is also one of the longest expressways in the country and will further enhance Maharashtra’s transportation links. A section of this expressway is already operational, and once completed, it will drastically reduce travel time between these two major cities.

The Shaktipeeth Expressway represents a significant step forward for Maharashtra’s infrastructure development. With its potential to connect multiple districts, promote industrial growth, and boost tourism, the expressway will have far-reaching effects on the state’s economy and overall development. As Maharashtra continues to enhance its road network, projects like the Shaktipeeth Expressway will play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s future, improving regional connectivity, and providing a more efficient, faster travel route for both locals and tourists.