The Public Works Department of Goa has tabled an ambitious infrastructure roadmap worth over ₹6,000 crore in its annual plan for the financial year 2025–26, seeking funding from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Aimed at overhauling the state’s road network and fortifying transport safety, the proposal marks a strategic bid to reconfigure Goa’s transport arteries in line with national goals of sustainable and resilient infrastructure development. Among the most prominent projects included in the plan is the construction of a four-lane cable-stayed bridge at Borim, estimated to cost around ₹300 crore. This bridge, poised to become a critical transit corridor across the Zuari River, is designed not only to support vehicular mobility but also to replace the ageing infrastructure currently straining under rising traffic volumes. The state completed land acquisition for the bridge late last year, securing over 3.4 lakh square metres across Loutolim, Borim and Bandora villages. Once operational, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce congestion and bolster intra-state connectivity.
Another transformative proposal involves the creation of a ring road system that connects Goa’s border areas, thereby diverting interstate traffic away from urban cores. This plan, for which a ₹10 crore feasibility study has already been conducted, is envisioned to reduce environmental and traffic stress on central Goa by facilitating smoother passage for transit vehicles. The road will be designed to traverse the ghats with minimal ecological disruption, aligning with the state’s increasing sensitivity to biodiversity conservation. The Cuncolim bypass also finds priority in the upcoming infrastructure plan, particularly the stretch from Uskinibandh to Bendordem. This corridor, which links two already sanctioned four-lane stretches between Margao and Canacona, remains a critical gap in the south Goa network. Notably, the segment has turned increasingly accident-prone, prompting authorities to fast-track its widening and fortification.
Beyond construction, the PWD is advocating a shift in the operational model for road upkeep, proposing performance-based and short-term maintenance contracts. It has sought ₹200 crore for these initiatives, which will be piloted as part of its broader maintenance strategy. The performance-based model, though cost-intensive at nearly ₹1 crore per kilometre, is built around outcome-driven benchmarks. Contractors will be mandated to adhere to standards covering routine and emergency maintenance, resurfacing in years two and five, and compliance throughout an eight-year liability period.
This strategic maintenance approach marks a departure from conventional contract structures and is anticipated to significantly improve road longevity and user safety. The short-term model, on the other hand, will involve annual contracts to ensure flexibility and swift response to emerging conditions.
Goa’s forward-looking plan represents a critical juncture in its urban and regional transport strategy. With the coastal state under increasing pressure from tourism-driven vehicle density and climate-sensitive ecosystems, the pivot to sustainable, high-performance road infrastructure reflects a growing awareness of the need for resilient urban planning. Whether the Centre approves the full fund allocation remains to be seen, but the proposals have already stirred attention for their scale, impact potential and alignment with national infrastructure modernisation goals.
Goa Targets Better Roads and Bridges
