📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Politics
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to skip Mumbai-Goa highway inauguration, says he's ashamed
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 10 Sep 2026, 12:02 PM
👁 2
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced he will not attend the opening ceremony of the Mumbai‑Goa highway, saying he feels ashamed. The decision was disclosed ahead of the scheduled inauguration.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari publicly declared that he will abstain from the inauguration ceremony of the Mumbai‑Goa highway, describing his feelings as "ashamed". The statement was made as the project approaches its scheduled launch, a milestone that has been closely watched by both states.
The Mumbai‑Goa highway, a multi‑lane corridor intended to cut travel time between the two coastal regions, has been under construction for several years. Officials have highlighted its potential to boost tourism, trade and regional connectivity, positioning it as a flagship infrastructure achievement for the central government.
Gadkari's decision to skip the event, without providing detailed reasons, has sparked discussion among political observers and transport experts. While the minister remains responsible for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, his absence may signal internal disagreements or concerns related to the project's execution.
The inauguration is still expected to proceed as planned, with state officials from Maharashtra and Goa likely to preside over the ceremony. The central government has not indicated any change to the project's timeline despite the minister's personal boycott.
The Mumbai‑Goa highway, a multi‑lane corridor intended to cut travel time between the two coastal regions, has been under construction for several years. Officials have highlighted its potential to boost tourism, trade and regional connectivity, positioning it as a flagship infrastructure achievement for the central government.
Gadkari's decision to skip the event, without providing detailed reasons, has sparked discussion among political observers and transport experts. While the minister remains responsible for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, his absence may signal internal disagreements or concerns related to the project's execution.
The inauguration is still expected to proceed as planned, with state officials from Maharashtra and Goa likely to preside over the ceremony. The central government has not indicated any change to the project's timeline despite the minister's personal boycott.