Mumbai To Goa In Just 6 Hours? New Highway Set To Open By March 2026

After years of delays, the Mumbai-Goa Highway is finally nearing completion. The 466-kilometre stretch from Panvel to Sindhudurg is now in its final phase of construction and is expected to be fully operational

by March 2026. Once completed, the highway will cut travel time between Mumbai and Goa from nearly 12–13 hours to just 6. Passing through Raigad and Ratnagiri districts, this four-lane road is also set to significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s road network and boost the local economy.

Mumbai-Goa Highway Nears Completion After Delay

The upcoming highway, also known as the Konkan Expressway or NH 66, was initially expected to open in December 2023. However, the project faced delays due to land acquisition issues and pending environmental clearances, particularly in the Panvel–Indapur section, which slowed progress and prolonged the wait for travellers. Officials have now confirmed that these key hurdles have been resolved. A major step was addressing environmental concerns in the Karnala sanctuary by dropping plans to construct a flyover there.

As per a press release, “The Mumbai-Goa highway has been divided into 10 packages. Out of these, two packages (P-9, P-10) in Sindhudurg district are almost 99 per cent complete. There are a total of 5 packages in Ratnagiri district, and 92 per cent and 98 per cent of work on two of these packages (P-4, P-8) has been completed, respectively. The rest of the work is in progress. The delayed works for two packages (P-6, P-7) have been resumed by appointing a new contractor. Out of the three packages in Raigad district, two packages (P-2, P-3) have been completed up to 93 per cent and 82 per cent, respectively. More than half of the work on package (P-1) has been completed, and the remaining work will be completed soon”

Smart Toll System Will Ensure Faster Travel

A unique feature of the new highway is its smart toll system, which will use satellite tracking and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). With this setup, vehicles won’t need to stop at toll booths, but the amount will be deducted automatically. This technology will help traffic flow smoothly, saving travellers both time and fuel.

This long-awaited upgrade will make the journey smoother, faster and far more enjoyable for people heading to the scenic Konkan coast. For decades, this route has been known for its narrow lanes and heavy traffic, but the new highway aims to change this completely.