Shaktipith Highway: Major Design Changes, Length Increases to 440 KM

• The Pawnar (Wardha) to Patradevi (Sindhudurg) Shaktipith Highway project is gaining momentum, with land measurement nearly complete in over 150 villages.
• The state government has approved ₹20,787 crore for the first phase, with MSRDC implementing the project.
• The highway will connect 12 districts, 39 talukas, and 370 villages, facilitating travel from East Vidarbha to Konkan.
• Significant route changes in Kolhapur district and new inclusions in Satara have increased the highway's length from 408 km to 440 km.
• The highway will boost religious tourism by directly connecting 18 religious sites, including the three major Shaktipiths: Mahur, Tuljapur, and Kolhapur.

Why It Matters: Shaktipith Highway sees major design revisions, increased length, and accelerated land acquisition for religious tourism.