📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Politics
Gadkari vows to blacklist record number of contractors over Mumbai‑Goa highway delays
✍️ Amar Ujala · Maharashtra
🗓 09 Sep 2026, 10:17 PM
👁 30
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari criticised the slow progress on the Mumbai‑Goa expressway, announcing plans to blacklist an unprecedented number of errant contractors and suspend officials responsible for the setbacks.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed sharp disappointment over the persistent delays plaguing the Mumbai‑Goa highway project. He highlighted that substandard work and missed deadlines have forced the Ministry to take corrective action.
According to officials, several contractors have repeatedly failed to meet quality and timeline benchmarks, prompting the Ministry to consider blacklisting a record number of them. The move aims to deter future negligence and accelerate the completion of the stretch.
In parallel, senior project officials overseeing the highway have been suspended pending a detailed inquiry. The suspensions are intended to ensure accountability and to streamline decision‑making processes.
Gadkari emphasized that the highway is a critical link for tourism and trade between Maharashtra and Goa, and urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to contractual obligations. He assured the public that the Ministry will monitor progress closely and enforce stricter compliance measures.
The ministry plans to release an updated contractor list and a revised timeline within the next fortnight, signalling a more aggressive approach to infrastructure delivery.
According to officials, several contractors have repeatedly failed to meet quality and timeline benchmarks, prompting the Ministry to consider blacklisting a record number of them. The move aims to deter future negligence and accelerate the completion of the stretch.
In parallel, senior project officials overseeing the highway have been suspended pending a detailed inquiry. The suspensions are intended to ensure accountability and to streamline decision‑making processes.
Gadkari emphasized that the highway is a critical link for tourism and trade between Maharashtra and Goa, and urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to contractual obligations. He assured the public that the Ministry will monitor progress closely and enforce stricter compliance measures.
The ministry plans to release an updated contractor list and a revised timeline within the next fortnight, signalling a more aggressive approach to infrastructure delivery.