Goa Highway Expansion Secures Major Funding

Goa – A substantial financial boost of ₹1,060.2 crore has been sanctioned by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to facilitate the four-laning of a crucial 7-kilometre stretch of National Highway 748, connecting Bhoma to Old Goa.

This development, aimed at mitigating severe traffic congestion and addressing the limited Right of Way constraints in the Bhoma, Corlim, and Ella regions, heralds a significant step towards enhancing Goa’s transportation infrastructure. The NH-748, previously known as NH 4-A, serves as a vital artery connecting the industrial hub of Belagavi in Karnataka to the coastal capital of Panaji, spanning a total distance of 153 kilometres. This highway plays a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of passenger and freight traffic from the southern states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka to Goa. The approved expansion project will ensure that the entire Panaji–Khandepar corridor is upgraded to a four-lane roadway, complete with paved shoulders, thereby improving traffic flow and reducing travel times.

Recognising the acute congestion and spatial limitations in the Bhoma, Corlim, and Ella areas, the project’s design incorporates two elevated corridors, spanning a combined length of 4.2 kilometres, along with 7-metre-wide service roads on both sides. These strategic interventions are intended to streamline traffic movement and enhance road safety, addressing the current challenges faced by commuters and freight operators. However, the proposed land acquisition for the highway widening has encountered resistance from local residents in Bhoma, who have voiced their concerns and even sought legal recourse through the High Court. These residents are advocating for the construction of a bypass road as an alternative solution, highlighting the delicate balance between infrastructure development and community interests.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his gratitude to Minister Gadkari for the sanctioning of this essential project, acknowledging its potential to significantly improve the ease of travel for commuters and stimulate business transport, while reinforcing Goa’s connectivity with the southern states. Similarly, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade emphasised the project’s role in enhancing road safety, alleviating traffic congestion, and bolstering Goa’s overall infrastructure and economy. This recent approval complements the ₹557 crore sanctioned by Minister Gadkari in October of the previous year for the four-laning of a 9.6-kilometre stretch from Ponda to Bhoma along the same NH-748 corridor. The cumulative effect of these projects will effectively address the missing four-lane link between the adjacent four-lane segments of Khandepar to Ponda and the Ribandar bypass, creating a seamless and efficient transportation network.

This road link is crucial for interstate transportation and is expected to significantly improve connectivity to Dabolim airport and Mormugao port via NH 566 and NH 66. The current stretch is plagued by congestion and frequent accidents, underscoring the urgency of the proposed upgrades. The development of Goa’s transportation infrastructure is vital for its economic growth and sustainable development. Addressing the challenges of congestion and enhancing connectivity are crucial steps in creating a more efficient and equitable urban landscape. While the project presents significant benefits, it is essential to address the concerns of local residents and ensure that infrastructure development aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community.

Goa Highway Expansion Secures Major Funding