MahaYuti Govt Cancels Shaktipeeth Highway Land Deal

11 Sep 2024 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..