Panaji Sees Major Infrastructure Push Ahead of Civic Elections
With the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections drawing near, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate embarked on a significant inauguration drive on Friday. The government officially launched six major projects with a combined value of approximately Rs 135 crore, all executed under the ambitious Smart Cities Mission framework.
Key Projects Unveiled to Boost Urban Infrastructure
The inaugurated initiatives span critical areas of urban development. Chief Minister Sawant personally inaugurated a newly constructed small fishing jetty at Ribandar, built at an investment of Rs 2.9 crore. Furthermore, he announced that the widening and reconstruction of two ferry ramps on the vital Divar-Sao Pedro route will commence shortly.
Speaking at the event, Sawant emphasized the transformative impact of the RoRo ferry ramp project. He stated, "The deployment of Ro-Ro ferries by November will significantly ease transportation for residents commuting between both riverbanks. This addresses a long-standing demand from the Divar community."
Smart City Upgrades: Water, EV Charging, and Urban Revitalization
As a core component of the Smart City Mission, Panaji has been equipped with a completely modernized water supply network. This system is integrated with advanced SCADA-based monitoring technology, enabling efficient, round-the-clock water management for the entire city.
In a notable public-private partnership, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) collaborated with Reliance BP Mobility Limited to establish a network of 18 electric vehicle charging stations across Panaji and its adjoining regions. Chief Minister Sawant highlighted that this EV infrastructure has already benefited five lakh electric vehicles, leading to a substantial reduction of 32 tonnes of carbon emissions within the city.
Additional inaugurations included the unveiling of the fully restored and refurbished IPSCDL headquarters, situated along the scenic Rua de Ourem Creek. The development also featured the transformation of the Patto creekside area into a vibrant recreational and pedestrian-friendly corridor, enhancing public spaces.
Political Context and Electoral Implications
Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, who serves as the Panaji MLA, is strategically positioning these high-profile projects to influence voter sentiment. With elections imminent across the 30 wards of the state capital, these inaugurations are seen as a direct appeal to the electorate, showcasing tangible development and governance achievements.
The timing of these inaugurations underscores the political significance of the Smart City initiatives, merging infrastructure progress with electoral strategy as Panaji prepares for its upcoming civic polls.
