Mumbai-Goa Highway Set for June Completion, Toll Reforms on Horizon
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the long-delayed Mumbai-Goa highway will be fully operational by June 2025, promising smoother and faster travel along the vital corridor. Speaking at the Vasant Vyakhyanmala event organized by Amar Hind Mandal in Dadar, Gadkari acknowledged the numerous challenges that have stalled the project, including land acquisition disputes, legal battles, and internal conflicts among stakeholders. Despite these hurdles, he assured attendees that all major obstacles have been resolved, paving the way for the highway’s completion.
The Mumbai-Goa highway, officially known as National Highway 66, has been plagued by delays for over a decade, frustrating commuters with its pothole-ridden stretches and persistent traffic congestion. Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, boosting tourism and economic activity in the Konkan region. Gadkari emphasized the project’s importance for regional development, noting its potential to enhance connectivity and drive growth.
In addition to the highway update, Gadkari revealed that the central government is finalizing a new toll policy, set to be unveiled within the next 15 days. The policy will phase out traditional toll booths across India, replacing them with a satellite-based system that uses vehicle number plate recognition for automatic toll deductions. This modernization effort aims to streamline toll collection, reduce congestion at plazas, and address public grievances about the current system. Gadkari expressed confidence that the new policy would resolve longstanding issues and improve the commuting experience.
The minister also highlighted broader ambitions for India’s road infrastructure, claiming that within two years, the country’s highways will surpass those of the United States in quality and efficiency. He cited ongoing projects, such as the Delhi-Jaipur highway, as examples of the government’s commitment to overcoming systemic challenges and delivering world-class infrastructure. Gadkari’s remarks underscore the government’s focus on transforming India’s transportation network to support economic growth and regional connectivity.
