Pratap Sarnaik Responds to Raj Thackeray Over 17-Year Mumbai-Goa Highway Delay

State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, speaking to reporters in Thane, acknowledged that the Mumbai-Goa highway redevelopment project has been delayed for several years, stating that constructive suggestions from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray cannot be ignored. Thackeray had criticized the 17-year delay during a visit to Raigad on Sunday, attributing the persistent project backlog to political interference.

Speaking in Thane, Sarnaik noted that while the highway project had remained pending since the tenure of the previous Congress-NCP government, construction work has gathered momentum under the present Mahayuti administration. His response followed Thackeray's public concerns regarding the execution of the crucial Konkan connectivity project and the ongoing inconvenience faced by motorists and local residents.

Thackeray disclosed that he had spoken directly with Union Roads and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding the delays. According to Thackeray, Gadkari stated that contractors involved in the project were fed up. Thackeray argued that the core issue stems from the government appointing contractors prior to completing land acquisition, causing project bills to continuously rise over time.

During his Raigad visit, the MNS chief also voiced opposition to the planned "Third Mumbai" development in the Konkan region. Thackeray alleged that secretive plans for an Educity, Medicity, and data centres were being structured for outsiders and industrialists, warning that local residents risk being reduced to former land owners without gaining from the developments.