New Delhi, April 1 Goa BJP MP Sadanand Tanavade raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday regarding repeated delays in the widening and upgrading of National Highway 66 – a key corridor linking Mumbai and Goa – and urged the government to expedite the remaining work before the onset of the monsoon.
Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Tanavade said the project, which was sanctioned over a decade ago to improve connectivity and road safety along the Konkan coast, had been stalled due to land acquisition disputes, environmental clearances, design modifications, and contractor-related challenges.
He said that several stretches still have incomplete bridges, unfinished bypasses, and uneven road surfaces, with conditions worsening significantly during the monsoon, leading to traffic congestion and a higher risk of accidents.
Tanavade said that faster completion of the highway would benefit not only commuters and tourists, but also freight movement supporting industries, agriculture, fisheries, and small businesses across the Konkan belt and Goa.
He called on the government to ensure better coordination among stakeholders and provide a clear, time-bound timeline for the completion of the project.