Traveling between Mumbai and Goa is about to become faster and more convenient with the upcoming Konkan Expressway. Currently, the journey takes 10 to 12 hours, but after the expressway’s completion, this distance will be covered in just 6 hours. The expressway is 95% complete and will soon be open for public use.
A World-Class Expressway Inspired by the Pacific Highway
The Konkan Expressway is being built on the lines of California’s Pacific Highway. Construction started 14 years ago, and the project is now in its final phase. Once completed, it will cut travel time in half, offering a scenic journey with lush green mountains on one side and breathtaking sea views on the other.
Konkan Expressway: Route and Key Features
- Total Length: 376 km along the Konkan coast
- Additional Stretch Road: 120 km, making the total project 498 km
- Lanes: 6-lane access-controlled highway
- Travel Time Reduction: From 12 hours to 6 hours
- Tunnels: 41 tunnels to navigate the hilly terrain
- Bridges: 21 major bridges and 41 smaller bridges
- Longest Bridge: 10.2 km on Dharamtar Creek in Karja
- Total Length of 7 Major Bridges: 27 km
Construction Timeline and Challenges
- Started in: 2011
- Faced multiple delays and cost escalations over time
- Required 146 hectares of forest land acquisition
- Divided into two main sections:
- Panvel to Kasu (42.3 km)
- Kasu to Indapur (42.3 km)
Project Cost and Route Details
- Estimated Cost: ₹68,000 crore (includes land acquisition costs)
- Land Acquired: 3,792 hectares (146 hectares belong to the Forest Department)
- Major Cities Covered:
- Panvel (Navi Mumbai) to Sindhudurg
- Passes through Raigad and Ratnagiri
- Covers 17 talukas and 232 villages in 3 districts
- Interchanges: 14 major interchanges for smooth connectivity
The Konkan Expressway is set to transform travel between Mumbai and Goa, significantly reducing time and enhancing convenience. Once operational, it will offer a world-class highway experience, making the journey faster, smoother, and more scenic.
