August 9, 2025: Addressing a workshop on infrastructure project execution in Pune, Mr Fadnavis noted that while Maharashtra leads the country in overall project numbers, a significant proportion remain incomplete. “In 2019, a Deutsche Bank report stated that Maharashtra accounted for 49% of the nation’s projects. We were proud of that figure and often cited it in speeches. But today, 40% of those projects are still unfinished,” he said, stressing the importance of timely delivery.
He attributed much of the delay to poor tendering practices. “The contractor’s capacity must be carefully evaluated before awarding any tender. Unfortunately, political or other pressures sometimes influence tender conditions, resulting in incomplete or delayed works,” he remarked, citing the Mumbai–Goa Highway as a prime example of poor tendering outcomes.
The Chief Minister added that Maharashtra had, over the last decade, gained valuable experience in delivering large-scale projects once thought possible only abroad. However, he emphasised that accountability should be maintained throughout the project lifecycle. “A 360-degree planning approach, coupled with strong inter-departmental coordination, is essential. We have platforms like Gati Shakti — now we must use them effectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale, after inspecting the Mumbai–Goa Highway on Thursday, promised the road would be pothole-free before the Ganesh festival. His inspection tour began at Palaspe Junction in Panvel and covered Pen, Kharedi, and Koleti, assessing progress and reviewing measures to improve road conditions.
Mr Bhosale said modern technology was being deployed to repair potholes and accelerate construction, assuring that permanent solutions were being implemented and that the work would be completed swiftly.
Source: The Free Press Journal
