Raj Thackeray blames political meddling for 17-year delay in Mumbai-Goa highway

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MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday blamed political interference for the 17-year delay in completing the Mumbai-Goa National Highway. Speaking in Raigad, he said contractors quit because they became fed up, and questioned why land acquisition was not finished before awarding contracts. Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik responded that Thackeray's suggestions deserve consideration, but noted the project was pending since the Congress-NCP government and only gained momentum under the current Mahayuti government.

Thackeray also criticised the proposed 'Third Mumbai' development in the Konkan region, alleging it would benefit outsiders and industrialists while locals lose their land. He urged residents to be cautious about selling ancestral and agricultural property. The highway is a crucial economic corridor for Konkan, carrying heavy local, commercial and tourist traffic, but years of construction and diversions have caused long journeys, higher fuel costs and unsafe conditions, especially during monsoons.