Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged delay in completing the Mumbai-Goa Highway, saying he feels “ashamed” that the project has remained unfinished years beyond its original deadline.

Speaking at the inauguration of a six-lane elevated corridor at Porvorim in North Goa on Wednesday, Gadkari said he would not attend the inauguration ceremony of the widened Mumbai-Goa Highway when the project is eventually completed. He also announced plans to personally inspect the route in October. 

Mumbai-Goa Highway Is 93–94% Complete

According to the latest assessment shared by Gadkari, around 93–94% of the Mumbai-Goa Highway project has been completed. The minister said he was briefed about the progress during a meeting held a day before the Porvorim event.

Gadkari said he plans to land at Mumbai airport in October and travel by road to Goa to assess the condition of the highway himself. He wants to check not only the completion status but also whether the upgraded corridor has actually made travel easier for motorists. 

The widening project was launched in 2011 to convert the existing two-lane route into a four-lane highway. The project was originally targeted for completion in 2016 but has faced repeated delays.

Why the Project Has Taken So Long

The Mumbai-Goa Highway runs through Maharashtra’s Konkan region and is an important road link between Mumbai and Goa.

The project has been held up by a combination of issues over the years, including land acquisition, clearances and problems associated with project execution and contractors. Several stretches have continued to face construction-related work even as major portions have opened to traffic.

The prolonged delays have been particularly significant because the highway is heavily used during holiday periods and the annual Ganesh festival, when traffic between Mumbai and the Konkan region increases sharply.

Gadkari Threatens Strict Action Against Contractors

Gadkari said he wanted his ministry to set a record for taking action against contractors responsible for delayed or poor-quality infrastructure work.

He said he wanted the ministry to blacklist or debar the maximum possible number of contractors responsible for such failures and also take action against officials found responsible for delays or poor execution. 

The comments reflect the minister’s broader push for greater accountability in highway construction, particularly over quality and project timelines.

103 Contractors Penalised or Blacklisted

Gadkari had already told Parliament in July that 103 contractors and concessionaires were blacklisted or penalised between 2023-24 and 2025-26 over poor-quality execution of National Highway construction works. 

The parliamentary response also revealed that 629 of 1,191 National Highway projects under construction had exceeded their original completion schedules. The government did not provide project-specific reasons for all of those delays in the response. 

This data provides a wider context to Gadkari’s latest remarks about contractors and project monitoring.

Road Quality Remains a Concern

The Mumbai-Goa corridor has also faced criticism over road quality. Reports of potholes, surface damage, waterlogging, repairs and traffic disruptions have emerged on different stretches.

The concerns have added pressure on authorities because completing a highway on paper is not enough if sections deteriorate soon after opening.

Gadkari has said that his October inspection will give him an opportunity to assess the highway directly rather than relying only on project reports.

Porvorim Corridor Opens in Goa

Gadkari’s remarks came while inaugurating a 5.15-km six-lane elevated corridor at Porvorim, near Panaji.

The elevated road is designed to ease congestion on one of North Goa’s busiest stretches and improve movement between Panaji, Mapusa and destinations including the Mopa airport corridor. 

The newly opened infrastructure is separate from the controversy surrounding the delayed completion of the wider Mumbai-Goa Highway project, although both form part of the broader NH-66 connectivity network.

For now, Gadkari has made it clear that completion of the Mumbai-Goa Highway will be followed by a close inspection of its actual condition — and that contractors and officials responsible for poor execution could face further action.

FASTag Payments Set to Expand Beyond Toll Plazas

In a major boost to digital mobility and cashless travel, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is preparing to roll out a nationwide scheme that will make FASTag payments multipurpose. After a successful six-month pilot project, FASTag will soon be used not only for toll payments but also for parking fees, petrol, EV charging, and other travel-related services.

The move is expected to significantly improve the ease of travel while reducing dependence on cash and multiple payment apps.

Why FASTag Payments Matter Right Now

With rising vehicle numbers and increasing focus on seamless digital payments, the government aims to transform FASTag into a unified travel wallet. Officials say limiting FASTag only to toll booths restricts its potential, while expanding its use can simplify everyday travel expenses.

According to ministry officials, this step will also help curb digital fraud. Since FASTag functions like a prepaid wallet linked to verified vehicle details, the risk of financial loss due to fraud is expected to reduce.

Where FASTag Can Be Used Soon

After consultations with fintech firms, banks, payment service providers, and toll operators, a consensus has been reached on expanding FASTag payments to the following services:

Toll plazas

Petrol pumps

EV charging stations

Parking facilities

Food outlets on highways

Vehicle maintenance services

City entry charges

Other travel-related facilities

This change aligns with the government’s broader push towards smart mobility and integrated digital infrastructure.

FASTag Parking Payments at New Delhi Railway Station

One of the first major implementations will be seen at New Delhi Railway Station, where parking fees will be deducted directly via FASTag. Northern Railway CPRO Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said a new parking policy has been prepared under the leadership of Delhi DRM Pushpendra Kumar Tripathi.

Key benefits of the new system include:

Reduced traffic congestion at entry and exit gates

Automatic fee deduction, ending disputes over overcharging

Faster drop-offs and pick-ups, with nearly 80% of vehicles expected to exit immediately

Deployment of ex-army personnel as marshals for parking and traffic management

Officials believe the discipline and training of former army personnel will also enhance passenger safety and overall security.

What’s Next in the New Policy

The tender process for the new parking management system has been completed, and a new company will take charge from December 28. As per the policy, all passenger facilities, vehicle management norms, and security standards must be implemented within one month.

Additionally, three dedicated pathways are being developed towards Ajmeri Gate to ensure smooth passenger movement, easy luggage handling, and hassle-free access to taxis, buses, and the metro.

The expansion of FASTag payments marks a significant step towards smarter, safer, and more efficient travel in India. By turning FASTag into a comprehensive digital wallet, the Road Transport Ministry is paving the way for a smoother travel experience while strengthening transparency and security in digital transactions.