Raigad Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare has urged the Central government to suspend toll collection at the Kharpada toll plaza until the Mumbai-Goa Highway is fully completed. During a meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi, Tatkare also sought a permanent solution to recurring disruptions at Tamhini Ghat by proposing the construction of a tunnel.
Tatkare met Gadkari at his residence in the national capital and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting several infrastructure concerns affecting commuters in Raigad district and the Konkan region.
In his letter, the MP pointed out that several stretches of the Mumbai-Goa Highway remain incomplete, with potholes and ongoing construction causing inconvenience and delays for motorists. He argued that collecting toll despite unfinished work places an unfair burden on road users.
Tatkare requested the Union minister to immediately suspend toll collection at the Kharpada toll plaza until the entire highway project is completed and made fully operational.
The MP also highlighted the recurring issues at Tamhini Ghat, an important road link connecting Raigad and Pune districts. He proposed the construction of a tunnel through the ghat as a long-term solution to frequent landslides, rockfalls and traffic congestion experienced during the monsoon season.
According to Tatkare, such a project would improve connectivity while ensuring safer and more reliable travel for commuters throughout the year.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Tatkare said, “Continuous follow-up is being done with the central government to ensure that the journey of citizens and servants of Raigad district and the entire Konkan region is safe and comfortable. Nitin Gadkari has assured to consider all these demands positively and take appropriate action.”
The meeting comes amid continued concerns over delays in completing the Mumbai-Goa Highway, a key road corridor connecting Mumbai with the Konkan region. The highway is expected to significantly improve travel time and connectivity once fully operational, but incomplete stretches and ongoing construction continue to affect daily commuters and long-distance travellers.
Tatkare said he would continue to pursue the pending issues with the Centre to ensure timely completion of the project and improve road infrastructure across the Konkan region.
Source: ABP News
