Major Highway Realignment After Local MLA's Push
In a significant development for Maharashtra's infrastructure landscape, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared on Sunday that the ambitious Pavnar to Patradevi Shaktipeeth expressway will be rerouted through Chandgad in Kolhapur district. The announcement came during the CM's campaign rally for municipal council elections in Chandgad, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about the highway's path.
Political Support Drives Route Change
The decision follows a substantial rally organized by local independent MLA Shivaji Patil, who had been advocating for the highway to pass through his constituency. Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis emphasized that Patil's persistent efforts directly influenced the government's decision to alter the expressway's alignment.
"MLA Shivaji Patil held a rally in support of the highway. Following his demand, we changed the alignment of the Shaktipeeth expressway and decided to pass it through Chandgad," the Chief Minister stated. He highlighted the transformative potential of such infrastructure projects, noting that few people truly understand how highways can revolutionize a region's economic fortunes by attracting industries and generating employment opportunities.
Massive Investment Meets Strong Opposition
The proposed Rs 90,000 crore highway project has encountered significant resistance, particularly within Kolhapur district. Agricultural communities have expressed deep concerns about potential loss of fertile farmland, while environmental activists have warned about ecological damage and increased flooding risks during monsoon seasons.
Girish Phonde, convenor of the Shaktipeeth Mahamarg Virodhi Kruti Samiti, strongly criticized the Chief Minister's announcement. "If there is strong opposition from tehsils such as Shirol, Hatkanangle, and Kagal, how will the chief minister divert the highway towards Chandgad? He should study the geography of the region first," Phonde argued.
He further pointed out that during last year's elections, the government had released a notification cancelling the Shaktipeeth expressway passing through Kolhapur district, suggesting that the latest announcement might primarily benefit contractors rather than addressing genuine public concerns.
Development Vision for Chandgad Region
Despite the opposition, CM Fadnavis outlined an ambitious development plan for the Chandgad region connected to the highway project. The government plans to establish logistics parks and set up MIDCs (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) along the expressway corridor, creating substantial industrial and employment opportunities.
"We are planning to develop Chandgad into a hub of tourism, and to make it happen, the highway is required. Once the highway comes on the map, Chandgad will never look back," Fadnavis asserted. He emphasized that the improved connectivity would dramatically reduce travel time, enabling Chandgad residents to reach Goa within minutes rather than hours.
The Chief Minister's announcement came as part of his wider tour through Solapur, Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur districts, where he campaigned for BJP candidates in municipal council elections. During these rallies, Fadnavis also addressed local political dynamics and emphasized his party's development agenda for municipal towns across the region.
