“Instead of Konkan Becoming California, California Will Aspire to Be Like Konkan,” Says Eknath Shinde as He Unveils Ambitious Development Plans
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while addressing a massive gathering at Champak Maidan in Ratnagiri on February 15, unveiled an ambitious vision for the Konkan region. He announced that the Konkan Super Expressway Project, connecting Mumbai to Goa and running across Konkan Coast, is already underway, and the existing Mumbai-Goa Highway will soon be completed. Additionally, plans are in place to construct the Mumbai-Sindhudurg Access Control Express Highway, further boosting connectivity in the region.
Shinde emphasized the significant investments being made in Ratnagiri, highlighting the Rs 30,000 crore infusion into the Ratnagiri MIDC, which is expected to generate 38,000 jobs. He also spoke about the government’s efforts to promote local industries such as mango cultivation, fisheries, and tourism. A major initiative to conserve water resources has also been launched, with work beginning to prevent the loss of 67 TMC of water flowing into the Koyna River.
In a bold statement, Shinde said, “Instead of saying Konkan should become California, we now aim to develop Konkan in such a way that California would aspire to be like Konkan.” This declaration reflects the government’s commitment to transforming the region into a global benchmark for development.
The event, organized by the Shiv Sena, was a public thanksgiving meeting to express gratitude to the people of Ratnagiri for their overwhelming support in making the Mahayuti alliance a success. Prominent leaders, including Shiv Sena’s Ramdas Kadam, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam, MLAs Kiran Samant and Nilesh Rane, and former MLA Rajan Salvi, were present. The gathering also saw the participation of Shiv Sena office bearers, party workers, and local citizens in large numbers.
The government’s focus on infrastructure, employment, and sustainable development signals a new era for Konkan, promising prosperity and growth for its residents.
