Ganeshotsav 2026: PWD Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale Orders Faster Mumbai-Goa Highway Works To Ease Konkan Travel Rush

Mumbai, August 15, 2026: Maharashtra Public Works Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale has ordered a swift completion of pending works on the Mumbai-Goa Highway in preparation for Ganeshotsav, emphasizing that mere progress assessment will not suffice to ensure a smooth journey for thousands of devotees traveling to the Konkan region.

Bhosale instructed that progress should be visible by August 31 at flyovers located at Kolad, Sangameshwar, Nivli, and Lanja. This directive came during a review meeting at Mantralaya on Friday, coinciding with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' mandate for coordinated efforts to prevent delays and maintain traffic flow during the festival.

Concerning the Nagothane flyover, Bhosale expressed that technical assistance from IIT is being sought, with repair work slated to commence immediately after the receipt of the technical report. Additionally, efforts are underway to repair the highway on both sides beneath the flyover.

Work on the Mangaon bypass is also being expedited, with approximately 5.5 kilometers of the 7.5-kilometer bypass anticipated to open for one-way traffic. The installation of girders on the railway bridge, a prerequisite for opening the remaining 2-kilometer stretch, is scheduled to commence on August 20. Once completed, this segment will also be opened to one-way traffic, thereby helping mitigate congestion on the bypass.

The Chiplun flyover, another significant component of the highway, is nearing completion, with girder installation fully finished and embankment work near the Sub-Divisional Office advancing swiftly. Officials are striving to have the flyover operational before Ganeshotsav, contingent upon a sufficient break in the rainfall.

Addressing the situation, Bhosale underscored the priority given to the Mumbai-Goa Highway due to the anticipated influx of millions of travelers from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and other parts of Maharashtra during the Ganeshotsav celebrations. He directed all relevant departments and agencies to maintain close coordination and complete the works within the set deadlines to ensure a safer, faster, and congestion-free journey for festival-goers.