Critical highway expansion projects in Goa, sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Highways, are facing significant and undue delays, holding up investments worth over Rs 700 crore. The primary bottleneck identified is the failure to shift gas pipelines along the proposed road alignments, a delay that has now stretched to 16 months.
Chief Engineer Flags "Displeasure" Over Inaction
During a recent review of nine highway projects in the state, the Union ministry's chief engineer for highway works expressed strong "displeasure" at the lack of progress. Officials from the Goa Public Works Department (PWD) were questioned on why 16 months were allowed to lapse since the work was sanctioned without the crucial task of pipeline relocation being completed.
The chief engineer sought immediate answers on the holdup. In response, state officials have assured that a high-level meeting headed by the Chief Secretary will be convened to resolve the impasse. They have also been instructed to formulate an immediate plan to get the gas pipelines shifted.
Two Major Projects Grind to a Halt
The delays are impacting two flagship projects vital for Goa's infrastructure.
The first is the four-laning of the highway from the end of Zuari bridge approaches till the Margao bypass, a 6.6 km stretch that includes problematic bottlenecks like Verna. The Union ministry sanctioned Rs 398 crore for this project in July 2024, and an agreement is already in place with SS Builders. However, the expansion cannot proceed until the pipeline laid by Indian Oil Adani Gas Ltd (IOAGL) along this alignment is shifted.
The second stalled project is the highway expansion from Ponda to Bhoma, covering 9.9 km. An agreement for this work was signed last year with Jeet Asia, and the ministry sanctioned Rs 557 crore in October 2024. The obstacle here is the relocation of a pipeline belonging to Goa Natural Gas.
Coordination Failure and Future Directives
According to sources, both gas agencies are required to shift their pipelines at their own cost as per earlier NoC (No Objection Certificate) conditions. The core issue flagged during the review was a lack of coordination from state officials in facilitating this process.
To prevent such delays in future projects, the Union ministry has issued a clear directive to Goa PWD officials. They have been instructed to map all existing utilities thoroughly before commencing any highway expansion work. This proactive step is expected to ensure smoother execution and avoid similar costly hold-ups.
The ongoing delays not only hinder improved connectivity and ease traffic congestion in key areas but also lock up substantial central funds meant for Goa's infrastructure development. The resolution now hinges on the promised high-level intervention and swift action from state authorities.
