In a significant push for Goa's infrastructure upgrade, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Digambar Kamat announced that projects worth a staggering Rs 7,076.9 crore have been formally submitted to the Union government for consideration and funding.
Major Projects Awaiting Central Nod
The detailed proposals were presented to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during a high-level meeting in Delhi last month. The portfolio of projects is aimed at decongesting key routes and enhancing connectivity across the coastal state.
The flagship proposals include the construction of the Borim bridge and its approach roads, estimated to cost Rs 1,235 crore. Another critical project is the Cuncolim bypass on NH 66, pegged at Rs 1,938 crore, designed to ease traffic flow on the busy national highway.
Further, a major four-laning work at the Goa-Karnataka border (Mollem section) has been proposed with an outlay of Rs 2,497 crore. Other significant projects in the pipeline are:
- Four-laning of the Mollem to Khandepar section: Rs 1,066 crore
- Four-laning of the Arlem Eastern bypass: Rs 600 crore (Detailed Project Report already prepared)
Minister Kamat expressed confidence in receiving a positive response from the Centre, citing Gadkari's proven support for Goa. "In most cases, DPRs were already submitted. With Nitin Gadkari's support, we were able to spend Rs 30,000 crore on infrastructure works. He has love for Goa and promised that he will consider all our proposals," Kamat stated.
Structural Audits and Contractor-Led Maintenance
The minister made these revelations on the sidelines of launching an e-sign module for Works Management under PWD, a part of the state's e-governance initiative. Alongside new projects, the department is focusing on the safety and upkeep of existing assets.
Kamat disclosed that the PWD has initiated a comprehensive audit of all major and minor bridges, and culverts. A structural audit of all government buildings is also being undertaken. Specifically, the Margao overbridge will be audited to ensure its structural integrity.
In a move to ensure better road quality, the PWD is planning to introduce a five-year annual maintenance contract component. This will mandate that the contractor who builds the road is also responsible for its maintenance for half a decade post-construction.
"We are also trying to assign one contractor to each assembly constituency to attend to all potholes," Kamat added. He claimed that main roads across most parts of Goa are currently "pothole free".
Strict Rules on Road Digging and Deadline for Porvorim Bridge
The minister warned that the department will adopt a strict stance against unauthorized digging of roads by other utility agencies. A new protocol will require any agency digging up major roads to prominently display all details, including the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the concerned PWD engineer.
Providing an update on an ongoing key project, Kamat said the department is targeting to complete the Porvorim bridge by December this year. This focus on deadlines, audits, and contractor accountability underscores the state's multi-pronged strategy to build robust and sustainable infrastructure for its citizens.
