The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has officially approved the detailed project report (DPR) for the four-laning of National Highway 66 from Cuncolim to Bendoredem in Goa. The project, valued at Rs 1,880 crore, includes the construction of bypasses at Cuncolim and Balli, addressing long-standing concerns of local residents who feared losing their homes to the highway expansion.
Project Highlights
The approved plan encompasses a 5.78-kilometer six-lane elevated corridor and a major six-lane railway overbridge. This segment of NH-66 is a critical component of the ambitious Mumbai-to-Kanyakumari four-lane corridor, aimed at enhancing connectivity along India's western coast.
Previous Sanctions and Current Status
Earlier, the ministry had sanctioned the expansion of NH-66 from the Margao bypass to Cuncolim and from Bendordem to the Canacona bypass. The Cuncolim-to-Bendordem section was the final missing link in the funding chain, and its approval now completes the financial backing for the entire stretch.
Work on the four-laning of the Bendordem to Canacona bypass, covering 22 kilometers, is already set to commence. The Union highways ministry has sanctioned Rs 952 crore for this segment, and the contract was awarded to a contractor in January of this year.
Government Response
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, stating that this approval will decongest towns, ease daily commutes, and accelerate South Goa's growth.
Traffic and Safety Concerns
The Cuncolim bypass was planned in response to increased traffic flow on NH-66 in recent years, with vehicles speeding through village roads. The stretch near Uskinibandh has become accident-prone, witnessing several fatal incidents from Uskinibandh to Panzorconi. The proposed bypass will run from Uskinibandh to Bendordem, aiming to improve safety and reduce congestion.
Strategic Importance
The Cuncolim-to-Canacona highway is a vital artery connecting the towns of Margao, Cuncolim, and Canacona. It traverses villages such as Bendordem, Cordem, Barcem, and Canacona. This stretch is essential for facilitating inter-state traffic with Karnataka and Maharashtra, while also improving intra-state connectivity to Panaji and Margao.
The project is expected to significantly boost economic development in South Goa by providing smoother and faster transportation links.
