Mumbai to Goa in Just 6 Hours: Highway to be Completed by June 2025
The Goa Highway project in Maharashtra is on track for completion by May-June 2025, with an ambitious goal of cutting the travel time between Mumbai and Goa from 12 hours to just 6 hours. While the project promises significant benefits, the cost has risen to Rs 7,300 crore due to various delays. Although substantial progress has been made, a few bypasses, underpasses, and flyovers in key towns are yet to be completed, particularly along the Panvel-Indapur stretch, which is being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Key Highlights of the Goa Highway Project
1. Project Timeline and Completion
- Expected to be completed by May-June 2025.
- The four-lane, 466 km stretch will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Goa by 50%, making the journey much quicker and more convenient for travelers.
2. Cost Escalation
- Original cost estimate: Rs 3,500 crore.
- Revised cost due to delays: Rs 7,300 crore.
- Despite cost increases, the project is poised to deliver long-term benefits for regional connectivity and tourism.
3. Benefits of the Project
- Travel Time Reduction: The new highway will cut down travel time from 12 hours to just 6 hours, offering immense convenience for commuters.
- Improved Infrastructure: The upgraded highway will feature better lanes, improved safety measures, and modern transport facilities.
4. Work Pending
- Incomplete Sections: The project is still awaiting completion in certain areas, including bypasses, underpasses, and flyovers in towns like Mangaon, Indapur, Pali, Lanja, Kolad, and Chiplun.
- These sections are expected to be completed shortly before the monsoon season of 2025.
5. Panvel-Indapur Stretch
- The 84 km stretch between Panvel and Indapur is being developed by NHAI.
- The remaining stretches are being widened by the Public Works Department (PWD) under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
New Developments: NHAI’s 30-Km Expressway Project
Connecting Pagote to Pune Highway
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is also embarking on a new 30 km expressway to connect Pagote (near JNPT, the landing point of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) to Chauk Junction on the old Pune Highway. This new corridor will connect several major highways, including the Uran-Chirner Highway, Goa Highway, and Pune Expressway, providing enhanced connectivity across Maharashtra.
Important Information
- Project Timeline: Goa Highway expected to be fully operational by June 2025.
- Cost Changes: The project’s cost has increased from Rs 3,500 crore to Rs 7,300 crore due to delays.
- Pending Works: Bypasses, underpasses, and flyovers in Mangaon, Indapur, Pali, Lanja, Kolad, and Chiplun are still under construction.
- Panvel-Indapur Section: The 84 km stretch developed by NHAI is expected to be completed on time.
- NHAI’s New Expressway: A 30 km expressway will connect Pagote to Pune Highway, starting near JNPT.
- Additional Benefits: The highway will reduce the travel time significantly, benefiting local tourism and regional transport.
This ambitious highway project, once completed, will not only ease travel between two key destinations but also bolster the region’s economic and tourism potential.
