‘Won’t Compromise On Safety’: CM Eknath Shinde Reviews Mumbai-Goa Highway Repairs Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

Amid the growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Mumbai-Goa Highway, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conducted a detailed inspection of the ongoing repair work in Raigad district on Monday.

During his visit, which comes a week ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Shinde was accompanied by a team of officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and Public Works Department (PWD). The inspection followed pointed criticism by Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam, who recently described PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan as “useless” given the highway’s poor condition.

Shinde addressed the media at the site, reaffirming his government’s commitment to ensuring the road is safe. “We have implemented four advanced technologies specifically designed to repair potholes and other damaged sections of the highway,” Shinde announced. “This initiative aims to reduce the inconvenience for those travelling to their villages in the coastal districts for Ganesh Chaturthi.”

The inspection revealed that while significant progress has been made in certain areas, particularly from Ratnagiri to Goa where the road is now fully operational, several stretches in Raigad remain a cause for concern. The CM assured that the teams have conducted a comprehensive study of these issues and developed effective solutions, which are currently being implemented.

He emphasised that contractors responsible for substandard road repairs would face stringent action. “Any contractor found delivering poor quality work will be held accountable. We cannot compromise on the safety of our people,” Shinde added.

Several Mumbai residents who plan to travel to their ancestral homes in the Konkan region for Ganesh Chaturthi expressed frustration over the ongoing road work. A Dapoli resident said: “The festival is just around the corner, yet the road is far from satisfactory. Year after year, we see minimal improvement, and it’s the common people who suffer the most.”

Bus operators on the Mumbai-Goa route have also raised an alarm about the potential risk of accidents and delays posed by the incomplete stretches, particularly during the festival season when traffic volumes surge.