After years of anticipation, the dream of cruising from Mumbai to Goa in just six hours is finally set to become a reality. The much-awaited 466-km Mumbai–Goa Expressway, also known as the Konkan Expressway (NH 66), is now in its final phase of construction and is expected to open fully by March 2026, according to officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Once operational, the four-lane expressway will cut the current travel time between Mumbai and Goa—from 12–13 hours to just six hours—offering faster, smoother, and more scenic connectivity across Maharashtra’s coastline.
A Route Through the Heart of Konkan
Stretching from Panvel in Navi Mumbai to Sindhudurg, the expressway passes through Raigad and Ratnagiri districts, touching 232 villages across 17 talukas. Apart from boosting trade and tourism, it promises new economic opportunities for thousands of locals, small businesses, and transport-based industries.
Tourism experts predict that the highway will give a major boost to the Konkan region’s hospitality sector—benefiting hotels, homestays, and restaurants located near popular coastal destinations such as Alibaug, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, and Tarkarli.
Toll-Free, But Smart
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently revealed that the new expressway will feature no physical toll booths. Instead, India’s first satellite-based tolling system integrated with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will automatically deduct tolls without stopping vehicles—ensuring a seamless, congestion-free driving experience.
Construction Status
According to officials, work across all 10 sections of the project is nearing completion:
◆In Sindhudurg, two sections (P-9 and P-10) are 99% complete.
◆In Ratnagiri, packages P-4 and P-8 are 92% and 98% finished, respectively.
◆Raigad district has also seen significant progress, with packages P-2 and P-3 reaching 93% and 82% completion.
The slower sections, which faced delays due to land acquisition and financial hurdles, have now been reassigned to new contractors to ensure faster delivery.
Gateway to a New Era of Coastal Travel
The Konkan Expressway isn’t just another road—it’s a lifeline for Maharashtra’s western coast. By easing access to the Konkan’s pristine beaches, lush hills, and cultural landmarks, the expressway is expected to redefine coastal tourism.
When completed, travellers will be able to enjoy a six-hour scenic drive from Mumbai to Goa, making road trips along India’s most loved coastal route smoother, safer, and truly unforgettable.
As Minister Gadkari put it, this project marks “a new era of efficient, technology-driven road infrastructure in India,” reflecting the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
