The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway is an ambitious infrastructure project in India. This 802-km greenfield expressway aims to reduce travel time between Nagpur and Goa. It is touted to be the longest expressway in India. The project has sparked controversy, particularly among farmers concerned about land acquisition.
About the Project
- The expressway will connect Pavnar in Wardha district to Patradevi in Sindhudurg district.
- It is expected to decrease travel time from 18-20 hours to just 8-10 hours.
- The route will pass through 11 districts, enhancing connectivity across Maharashtra.
- The total estimated cost of the project is ₹86,300 crore.
Infrastructure and Features
The expressway will be a six-lane highway. It will facilitate not only faster travel but also easier access to several pilgrimage sites. Key destinations include Sevagram, Mahur, and Nanded’s Takht Sachkand. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is the nodal agency overseeing the project.
Land Acquisition Controversy
Farmers from 12 districts in Maharashtra have protested against the expressway. Their primary concern is the loss of agricultural land due to land acquisition. The farmers gathered at Azad Maidan in Mumbai to voice their opposition. They insist that officials should not enter their lands for measurements related to acquisition.
Political Implications
The project has become a focal point in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi, has expressed solidarity with the farmers. This includes parties such as Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Sharad Pawar-headed NCP. Their involvement marks the political ramifications of the expressway’s construction.
Timeline and Development Status
The expressway was announced in the Budget for 2024-25. However, its progress was temporarily halted due to state elections scheduled for 2024. As of now, the land acquisition process is reportedly underway, despite the ongoing protests.
Potential Economic Impact
The expressway is expected to boost local economies by improving transportation and accessibility. It may attract more tourists to pilgrimage sites and enhance trade routes. However, the long-term impact on agriculture and local communities remains a contentious issue.
Environmental Considerations
The construction of the expressway raises environmental concerns. The potential loss of agricultural land and disruption to local ecosystems are factors. Stakeholders are calling for a balanced approach that considers both development and environmental sustainability.
Future Prospects
The future of the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway hinges on resolving the ongoing protests and land acquisition issues. Successful negotiations between the government and farmers could pave the way for the project’s completion. The expressway has the potential to redefine connectivity in Maharashtra.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the socio-economic impacts of infrastructure projects on local communities.
- Critically discuss the role of public protests in shaping government policies in India.
- Discuss in the light of environmental sustainability, the challenges posed by large-scale infrastructure development.
- With suitable examples, analyse the relationship between infrastructure development and economic growth in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the socio-economic impacts of infrastructure projects on local communities.
- Infrastructure projects can lead to improved transportation and accessibility, enhancing local economies.
- Job creation during construction and subsequent operational phases can benefit local employment rates.
- However, land acquisition can displace communities, disrupting livelihoods and social structures.
- Infrastructure can also lead to increased property values, benefiting some while potentially pricing out others.
- Access to services such as healthcare and education may improve, but disparities can widen if benefits are unevenly distributed.
2. Critically discuss the role of public protests in shaping government policies in India.
- Public protests serve as a platform for marginalized voices, influencing policy discussions and decisions.
- They can raise awareness on critical issues, prompting government accountability and responsiveness.
- Protests can lead to policy changes, as seen in various instances where public outcry has halted or modified projects.
- However, the effectiveness of protests can vary based on political context and media coverage.
- Coalition-building among diverse groups can amplify protest impact, as seen with farmers and opposition parties united against the expressway.
3. Discuss in the light of environmental sustainability, the challenges posed by large-scale infrastructure development.
- Large-scale projects often lead to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, disrupting local ecosystems.
- Land acquisition for development can result in agricultural land loss, impacting food security.
- Infrastructure development can increase pollution and carbon emissions, contributing to climate change.
- Stakeholders advocate for sustainable practices, such as environmental impact assessments, to mitigate adverse effects.
- Balancing development needs with environmental protection remains a critical challenge for policymakers.
4. With suitable examples, analyse the relationship between infrastructure development and economic growth in India.
- Infrastructure development, such as roads and railways, has historically catalyzed economic growth by improving connectivity.
- For example, the Golden Quadrilateral project boosted trade and commerce across major cities.
- Investment in infrastructure attracts foreign investment, as seen in special economic zones (SEZs) like those in Gujarat.
- However, regional disparities can arise, with urban areas benefiting more than rural counterparts, denoting the need for balanced development.
- Long-term economic growth is contingent on sustainable infrastructure that considers social and environmental factors.
