Gadkari Promises June Deadline for Mumbai-Goa Highway Completion; Announces High-Tech Toll Reforms

Mumbai – Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has assured that the long-delayed Mumbai-Goa highway will be fully completed by June this year. The announcement comes as a major relief for commuters and tourists traveling to the Konkan region, who have faced years of inconvenience due to poor road conditions and construction delays.

Speaking at the Vasant Vyakhyanmala organised by Amar Hind Mandal in Dadar, Gadkari said, “There were numerous difficulties with the Mumbai-Goa highway. But do not worry, we will complete the road 100 per cent by this June.” He added that all major hurdles in the project have now been cleared, paving the way for completion.

The Mumbai-Goa highway, a vital coastal route, has been under construction for over a decade, with issues ranging from land acquisition delays to contractor disputes. Its completion is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Mumbai and the Konkan region.

In a related announcement, Gadkari revealed that the central government will introduce a new toll policy within the next 15 days aimed at eliminating physical toll booths nationwide. The new system will employ satellite-based tracking and automatic number plate recognition, allowing toll charges to be directly deducted from vehicle owners’ bank accounts.

“This will reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas and improve transparency,” Gadkari stated, adding, “In the next two years, India’s road infrastructure will surpass that of the United States.”

The minister’s remarks highlight the government’s push for smart infrastructure and digital integration in transport systems across the country.