SANGAMESHWAR: Frustrated by the nearly two-decade-long delay in the completion of the Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66), the Mumbai-Goa Mahamarg Janakrosh Samiti has called for a massive “Rasta Roko” (road block) protest.
The “Rasta Roko” is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM near the Sangameshwar Depot. Under the slogan “Chala Sangameshwar!” (Let’s go to Sangameshwar), organizers are urging residents of the Konkan region to join in large numbers to demand accountability for the 17-year-old pending project.
Key Demands of the Protest
The Janakrosh Samiti has outlined a 9-point charter of demands directed at the government and highway authorities:
Independent Oversight: Formation of an independent committee for the highway project, including four representatives from the Janakrosh Samiti.
Accountability: Strict action against officials and contractors responsible for delays and substandard work.
Strict Deadlines: Announcement of a final completion date with mandatory regular progress reports.
Safety Measures: Immediate installation of signboards, lights, reflectors, and speed breakers in accident-prone “black spots.”
Bridge Completion: Rapid completion of the Sangameshwar bridge and other unfinished flyovers.
Transparency: Publication of a transparent public report regarding the project’s status.
Victim Support: Immediate aid for accident victims and fair compensation for the families of those deceased.
Medical Facilities: Establishment of 24/7 modern trauma care centers along the highway.
Environmental Restoration: Large-scale reforestation and conservation to replace trees lost during construction.
The organizers, including Rupesh Darge, Surendra Pawar, Prashil Lad, Sanjay Jangam, and Jitendra Gije, have stated that the protest is a culmination of years of public anger over the dangerous road conditions and the economic toll the delay has taken on the region.
