Farmers across Maharashtra—particularly in Kolhapur, Sangli, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Nanded, Hingoli, Yavatmal, Wardha, and Sindhudurg—have launched widespread “Highway Roko” (road blockade) protests on July 1 (Agri Day). They’re pressing the state government to cancel the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Greenfield Expressway project, citing its massive footprint (760–802 km) and the acquisition of nearly 8,100 ha of private farmland, which they claim is their sole livelihood .

Organized by the Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti and supported by parties from the INDIA Bloc along with retired teachers and government employees, the protests have escalated to block key highway corridors. In Kolhapur, the Pune–Bengaluru NH at Panchaganga Bridge in Shiroli was sealed, while in Sangli efforts focused on the Nagpur–Ratnagiri NH at Ankali Phata . Local police have instituted extensive diversions to keep traffic flowing during the demonstrations .

These blockades are a continuation of discontent that began as early as December 2024, when farmers had briefly disrupted the Nagpur–Ratnagiri route in Sangli over similar grievances . The current protests are more coordinated and widespread, reflecting deepening anger over the hasty land surveys and perceived corporate favoritism in the ₹86,300 crore expressway project .

Traffic authorities have warned of delays on major national arteries, but note that alternate routes are available. Meanwhile, farmer leaders like Raju Shetti and Satej Patil have demanded suspension of land surveys, government dialogue, fair compensation packages, or a complete project cancellation .

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