Ponda Highway Expansion: Land Acquisition Officer Opens Compensation Claim Process
The Special Land Acquisition Officer of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Ponda has formally initiated the process for compensation claims from landowners whose properties have been acquired for the significant widening of the Ponda–Bhoma highway. This move marks a critical step in the infrastructure project, ensuring that affected parties receive due financial redress.
Substantial Land Acquisition for Road Development
Officials have secured an additional land area of 46,308 square meters specifically for the highway expansion initiative. A detailed notification has been issued, encompassing the villages of Priol, Veling, Kunkoliem, and Kundaim, which are directly impacted by the acquisition.
Suraj Ghaisas, the Special Land Acquisition Officer, emphasized that upon receiving claims from the landowners, the government will proceed to include their names in the official valuation award list. This comprehensive list will not only detail the compensation for the land but also account for the cost of trees that are scheduled to be felled as part of the expansion work.
Project Specifications and Infrastructure Enhancements
The highway widening project entails substantial upgrades to the existing road network. A six-lane flyover is planned for construction between the Dilasa Palliative Care Centre and the Farmagudi traffic police station, serving as a key component of the development.
Aside from this flyover, all other roads within the project scope will be expanded to four lanes, significantly improving traffic flow and connectivity. Further infrastructure enhancements include the construction of 60-meter-wide underpasses at the Mardol and Mangueshi junctions, along with a 20-meter-wide underpass near the Vaishali Hotel in Kundaim.
Additionally, a major vehicular overpass is slated for the circle near the GVM’s College complex, aimed at easing congestion and enhancing safety for commuters.
Contract Award and Funding Details
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has allocated the tender for the road work to GeetAsia, a company based in Gurugram, Haryana, with a contract value of Rs 273 crore. However, the official work order from MoRTH is still pending, indicating that the physical commencement of construction awaits final administrative approval.
This project underscores the government's commitment to bolstering road infrastructure in the region, with the compensation claim process being a vital aspect of ensuring fair treatment for landowners affected by the development.
