Mumbai: Rs 26,000-Crore Marine Superhighway Project Finally Launched in Maharashtra

Mumbai, 18th October 2024: After years of delays, the ambitious Rs 26,000-crore Marine Superhighway project, designed to run parallel to the existing Goa highway, is finally moving forward. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently inaugurated the project’s groundbreaking ceremony.

This nearly 500km route aims to enhance the scenic beauty along the coast and the Sahyadri mountains while alleviating congestion on the Mumbai-Goa highway. It will also provide faster access to towns and tourist destinations along the coastline.

The project includes seven bridges totalling 27 kilometres in length, facilitating transportation and commerce across various locations. Here are some key details about the bridges:

– Dharamtar Creek in Karja: The Dharamtar Creek bridge is an impressive 10.2 kilometres long, constructed from steel, showcasing modern engineering and design.

– Kundlika Creek in Revdanda-Salav: This cable-stayed bridge spans 3.8 kilometres over Kundlika Creek.

– Agardanda Creek in Dighi: The bridge at Dighi crosses Agardanda Creek and measures 4.3 kilometres in length, also a cable-stayed structure.

– Bankot Creek in Bagmandla Veshwi: A cable-stayed bridge of 1.7 kilometres crosses Bankot Creek.

– Kelshi Bay in Kelshi: The bridge over Kelshi Bay is 670 meters long and features a “Box girder” structural design.

– Jaigad Creek: Spanning 4.4 kilometres, this cable-stayed bridge connects two points over Jaigad Creek.

– Kunkeshwar: Another cable-stayed bridge at Kunkeshwar spans 1.6 kilometers.

The project will also involve widening the existing two-lane road that runs along the coast, which will require the acquisition of some residential properties and forested areas.

An official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) stated that the highway will link all the coastal cities of Konkan, creating an expressway-like road similar to California’s renowned Pacific Highway.