The construction of the Mumbai-Goa highway would be finished by December of this year, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, adding that it will significantly accelerate growth in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
He was speaking at the "bhoomi pujan" ceremony in Panvel for the concretization of the national highway stretch between Palaspe and Indupur and other routes.
Many projects in the state's Konkan area were put on hold, according to the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, because of problems with land acquisition, clearances, and contractors.
He informed that the much-delayed Mumbai–Goa national highway project would be finished by December of this year, greatly enhancing Konkan development prospects.
"The Mumbai-Goa highway touches 66 tourism spots in Maharashtra's Konkan. It will give development a high boost. It will also ensure quick transportation of fruits and other produce the region is famous for," Gadkari said.
Additionally, he revealed plans to build the Rs 13,000 crore Morbe-Karanjade route, which will pass via Jawaharlal Nehru Port and cut the travel time between Mumbai and Delhi to to 12 hours.
According to him, construction will soon start on the Rs 1,200 crore Kalamboli Junction and the Rs 1,2000 crore Pagode Junction.
He blamed the delay on the contractors, who received two extensions for the project in 2011. The highway is being built and widened in 11 phases.
"However, all matters are resolved now and the highway, which also connects JNPT and Dighi port, will help in the progress of the country," Gadkari said.
Additionally, he requested state governments to invest in roads with 6 to 8 inches of topping so that they can last 50 years, and that black spots be routinely updated for pro-active rectification.
"India sees 5 lakh road accidents a year, of which 1.5 lakh are fatal, with many of those dead in the 18-34 age group. This is distressing. All efforts must be taken to curb accidents," he said.
In addition, Gadkari stated that his ministry was using satellite-based fare collection on highways in place of toll booths that impeded free flow of traffic.
Maharashtra must study the feasibility of seaplane, hovercraft and water taxi systems for the Konkan region, which is blessed with a long coastline, for tourism and transport purposes, the minister said.
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