Mumbai-Goa Highway Update: Authorities Plan Toll Collection Despite Pending Bridge Work At Nagothane, Kolad

The long-pending Mumbai–Goa highway project has finally entered its concluding phase on the stretch between Palaspe and Indapur. After a wait of nearly 15 years, authorities are now moving ahead with plans to start toll collection along this section, even though some construction work is yet to be completed. Officials have accelerated administrative preparations for the toll plazas, signalling that the process is nearing implementation. An official government notification announcing the commencement of toll collection is expected to be issued within the coming week, which will formally clear the way for charging vehicles using the route.

The highway’s first phase, linking Palaspe near Panvel with Indapur in Raigad district, began construction in 2011. However, the project witnessed repeated setbacks over the years due to several challenges. These included complications in acquiring land, financial constraints and issues related to contractors handling the work. Although a major portion of the highway has now been completed, some important infrastructure remains unfinished. Bridges at Nagothane and Kolad are still under construction and have not been completed yet. Despite these pending works, authorities are reportedly planning to initiate toll collection soon, a move that has drawn criticism from residents across the Konkan region.

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Officials have indicated that toll collection in the initial phase will take place at two designated locations. The first toll plaza is being developed at Kharpada near Pen, while the second is coming up at Khamb near Roha. Construction work at both these sites is currently progressing quickly as officials aim to make them operational in the near future. In the next phase of the project, another toll collection point is planned at Lohare near Poladpur. Authorities stated that the final toll charges have not yet been determined and will be officially announced after the government releases the notification expected within a week.

The decision to begin collecting tolls before the highway is fully completed has sparked strong objections from residents of the Konkan region. For several years, commuters travelling along the Mumbai–Goa highway have raised concerns about hazardous potholes and poor road conditions on various stretches. Numerous accidents have occurred on the route, and many travellers have lost their lives over the past decade and a half. Local residents argue that charging toll fees before completing all construction work is unjust. National Highways Authority of India Executive Engineer Ravindra Ingule told News18 Marathi that most work in the first phase has been finished and only minor tasks remain. He added that toll plazas could become functional within a week, while the exact toll rates will be confirmed after the official notification is issued.