Mumbai-Goa highway to be completed by June: Union minister Nitin Gadkari

MUMBAI: Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the much-anticipated Mumbai-Goa highway will reach completion by June this year, offering respite to regular commuters and Konkan-bound travellers who have faced difficulties on deteriorating roads. At an event on Monday, the road transport and highways minister additionally announced plans for nationwide removal of physical toll booths, with a new toll policy in development.Expressing confidence in the country's infrastructural future, Gadkari also said, "In the next two years, India's road infrastructure will be better than that of the United States." The completion of the national highway connecting Mumbai and Goa is anticipated to reduce journey duration and stimulate growth throughout the Konkan region.During his address, Gadkari discussed the various obstacles encountered during the highway's construction."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 said. The minister confirmed the forthcoming elimination of physical toll collection facilities across the nation."There were fights among brothers, cases in courts, and endless complications in providing compensation for land. But those issues have now been resolved, and the work on the Mumbai-Goa highway has gained momentum," he said. Highlighting broader concerns with infrastructure development, he said, "Delhi-Jaipur and Mumbai-Goa (highways) are among the black spots in our department. They come with many difficulties. If I were to speak the truth about Konkan, people would not accept it." He identified legal complications and disagreements regarding land acquisition as key factors contributing to the project's delay."The central government will soon introduce a new toll policy. I will not speak much about it now, but within the next 15 days, a new policy will be announced. Once implemented, there will be no reason for anyone to complain about tolls," he said. According to his statement, the upcoming system will utilise satellite monitoring and number plate recognition technology to facilitate automatic bank account deductions, eliminating the requirement for manual toll collection.The minister delivered these remarks at Vasant Vyakhyanmala, an event organised by the social organisation Amar Hind Mandal in Dadar area.