In a major shift, the MahaYuti government has decided to cancel the land acquisition process for the ambitious 802 km Shaktipeeth Highway, following intense protests from farmers, opposition parties, and even some ruling party members.

The Rs 863 billion project, which aims to cut travel time between Nagpur and Goa from 13 hours to 8, was set to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism by linking several prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites. However, significant opposition emerged from farmers concerned about losing 27,000 acres of land and potential impacts on agriculture.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the cancellation of the land acquisition process, initially planned to be completed by December. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), responsible for the project, has forwarded a proposal to halt the process.

Shinde assured that the project will only proceed after thoroughly considering the concerns of affected communities. The decision follows criticism from NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar, who had expressed strong opposition to the highway's development.