'Govt To Proceed With Shaktipeeth Expressway Project Despite Farmers' Opposition,' Says Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan

Mumbai: Amid growing opposition by farmers to the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth expressway, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan Monday announced the state government will undertake the construction of the 802-km greenfield project at an estimated cost of Rs 86,300 crore.

The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth expressway project is being opposed especially by farmers in the sugar belt of Western Maharashtra, who have said they would lose their land. The opposing farmers have planned a protest rally in the second week of March in Mumbai.

“The expressway will reduce travel time and foster economic growth in the region. It will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 86,300 crore,” he said.

The government has also decided to implement the Ram Kal Path project in Nashik to preserve the region's Ramayana-linked heritage and transform it into a pilgrimage destination, he said.

He also stated that the government has launched seven health missions across the state – a blood donation drive, organ donation initiative, cancer awareness and treatment programme, obesity awareness and treatment campaign, Mission Thyroid, cataract and preventable blindness drive and an oral health initiative. “Approximately 1 lakh beneficiaries will be covered by March 2025 under these special missions,” he said.

The National Health Mission will regularise contractual employees with over 10 years of service. The state will also establish three new BSc nursing colleges in Nashik, Sindhudurg and Satara.

The government has set a target of Rs 74,781 crore in crop loans for 2024-25, with Rs 55,334 crore already disbursed. Additionally, under the 'Galmukt Dharan, Gal Yukt Shivar' initiative, 4 crore cubic meters of silt have been removed from 1,274 reservoirs, benefiting over 31,000 farmers.