Panaji’s ambitious Smart City project has reached a critical juncture, with officials acknowledging the need for additional time to complete the pending sewerage work at the Taad Maad junction. Despite an initial deadline of March 31, authorities now state that unforeseen engineering complexities, deep excavation requirements, and technological challenges have delayed the final stretch of work. The officials have indicated that a formal request for an extension will be submitted to the High Court of Bombay at Goa, as they work towards resolving the remaining bottlenecks in the project.
According to official estimates, 90% of the Smart City Mission’s infrastructure work in Panaji has been completed, with significant progress made in roadways, sewerage systems, and urban upgrades. However, the remaining 30 metres of the pending 200-metre sewerage line continues to pose challenges, despite round-the-clock efforts. Authorities have attributed the delay to the necessity of maintaining the functionality of the existing sewage system running parallel to the new line, requiring careful execution to prevent disruptions. Borewells have been installed at Taad Maad to dewater trenches dug to a depth of 12 metres, further complicating operations.
In addition to the ongoing sewerage work, delays have also affected other critical infrastructure components under the Smart City initiative. The Rua De Ourem stretch, expected to be completed within the stipulated time frame, remains unfinished due to the unavailability of a crucial pumping pipeline, which has failed to attract contractors despite three rounds of tendering. Officials emphasised that no new road closures, trenching, or barricading are being undertaken under the Smart City Mission, asserting that all other sewerage and roadwork commitments, as per the affidavit filed before the court, have been met. The city administration maintains confidence in the project’s quality, backed by a five-year warranty period.
While some residents have expressed concerns over prolonged construction and its impact on daily commuting, officials insist that the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience. They highlighted that once completed, the new sewerage infrastructure will serve the city for the next 50 years, eliminating the need for repeated excavations in the near future. With urban expansion and sustainability in focus, Panaji’s Smart City project is expected to bolster the city’s resilience, ensuring well-planned infrastructure that aligns with long-term developmental goals. Meanwhile, authorities continue to address last-mile challenges, aiming to bring the entire project to completion without further hurdles
