Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Raigad district on Monday to inspect the ongoing repairs on the Mumbai-Goa Highway, a critical route for many during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This visit follows a week after Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam harshly criticized BJP leader and Maharashtra PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan, labeling him a "useless minister" over the deteriorating condition of the highway.

Addressing the media, CM Shinde assured that advanced technology is being employed to fix the potholes and damaged sections of the highway. "We have used four types of advanced technology to repair potholes and damaged stretches of the highway. This will minimize inconvenience for people traveling to their villages in the coastal districts for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival," he stated.

Shinde also mentioned that officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and the Public Works Department (PWD) have conducted thorough studies of the highway's issues and devised effective solutions. He highlighted that Union Minister for Highways, Nitin Gadkari, had shown significant interest in the highway's repairs and even facilitated loans to contractors. However, Shinde expressed frustration over the delays caused by some contractors' lackadaisical approach, leading to the current situation.

"Contractors who have constructed substandard roads will face action," Shinde warned. While he noted that the highway section from Ratnagiri to Goa is complete and operational, certain stretches in Raigad remain under construction, raising concerns ahead of the festive season.

Locals have expressed their frustration over the slow progress. "The Ganpati festival is in a couple of weeks, and the road conditions are substandard. Despite an annual review by a minister, there has been hardly any improvement. People continue to suffer," said a resident of Dapoli, who travels to his ancestral home during the festival.

The Mumbai-Goa Highway is a vital link for thousands of people who journey to Konkan for the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. However, the ongoing issues with the highway's condition remain a significant concern for travelers and bus operators. As the festival approaches, the pressure mounts on the government to ensure the road is safe and functional for the influx of travelers.