Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed strong displeasure over the delay in the construction of Mumbai-Goa National Highway. During an event in Goa, he termed the delay in the project as unfortunate and said that it took 16 to 17 years to complete the highway, which is not acceptable.
Gadkari even said that he would feel embarrassed to inaugurate the road after such a long wait and would not attend the inauguration programme. After his statement, the long running Mumbai-Goa Highway project has once again come into discussion.
Expressed displeasure over delay of 16-17 years
In the inauguration program of 6 lane elevated corridor in Parwari, Goa, Nitin Gadkari raised the issue of progress of Mumbai-Goa Highway. He said that this route from Mumbai to Goa via Konkan is very important for Maharashtra, but it took an unusually long time to complete the project.
VIDEO | Porvorim: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) says that delay in Mumbai-Goa highway shameful, vows action against contractors. “Won't attend its inauguration,” says Gadkari.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) pic.twitter.com/OnK6q8ZOag
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 10, 2026
Gadkari also expressed displeasure over repeated problems in construction and failure of many contractors to complete the work. He said that now such negligence will not be tolerated.
Action may be taken against contractors and officials
In his address, the Union Minister also indicated to take strict action against contractors and officials. He said that no compromise will be accepted on the quality and timeline of work in road projects.
Gadkari said in a strict tone that he wants to create a record in which within a year, the most negligent contractors should be blacklisted and debarred and action should also be taken against the officers who are not responsible in their work.
His statement is being seen as a clear message to the ministry and related agencies that now accountability will be fixed for delays in projects.
90 to 95 percent work of highway completed
According to Nitin Gadkari, the construction work of Mumbai-Goa Highway has now been completed by about 90 to 95 percent. He told that recently a meeting has been held regarding this project and now the focus is on taking the work to the final stage.
Gadkari also said that he himself will travel by road from Mumbai to Goa in October. During this time he will inspect the entire highway and closely observe the actual status of the construction work.
The purpose of this inspection will not only be to see the progress of the road, but also to ensure that there is no negligence or new delay in the final part of the project.
Gadkari will not attend the inauguration
The Union Minister's strongest statement regarding the Mumbai-Goa Highway was regarding his not attending the inauguration program. He clearly said that after the work went on for so long, he did not want to be a part of the inauguration of this road.
Expressing his displeasure over the delay in the project, Gadkari said that it is a matter of embarrassment for him that the work was stuck for so many years. This statement of the Minister shows that there is serious dissatisfaction even at the Central Government level regarding the delay in the project.
Highway is important for Maharashtra and Goa
The Mumbai-Goa National Highway is an important road link connecting the Mumbai region of Maharashtra to Konkan and further to Goa. The role of this route is very important in terms of tourism, trade and local transportation.
With the highway becoming better and safer, road connectivity between Mumbai, Raigarh, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Goa is expected to be strengthened. This can benefit passengers as well as goods transportation and tourism activities.
Gadkari also hinted at political future
During the program, Nitin Gadkari also gave a statement regarding his political future. He said that he keeps getting offers to contest elections from different states, but he wants to contest elections from his workplace and workplace only.
He indicated that he would not leave his current constituency as long as the party continues to give him opportunities. This statement is being seen as an indication of his desire to contest elections from Nagpur also.
Now look at the October inspection
At present the work of Mumbai-Goa Highway is said to be in the final stage. But after this project lasted for almost two decades, now the biggest challenge is to complete it on time and with quality.
Gadkari's proposed road trip from Mumbai to Goa in October will be important because during this he will personally see the situation of the entire route. After this it can become clear how ready the project actually is for inauguration.
One thing is clear from Gadkari's displeasure that now there is a demand for not only assurance but also accountability and action on the delay of Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Also read – South Korea serious about data leak, Gender Ministry is considering legal action