Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister, Goa, stated that the Smart City work in Panaji is nearing completion, with approximately 95% of the tasks done. He mentioned that the deadline for finishing the work was May 31.

Sawant further informed that Smart City MD and CEO Sanjit Rodrigues would be conducting an inspection within two days to assess the progress and ensure its completion. He added that the inspection would involve the participation of the mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji, Rohit Monserrate.

Earlier in the year, there had been a visit by high court judges to Panaji aimed at understanding the issues faced by citizens due to dust pollution arising from the Smart City project.

The projects falling under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in Panaji encompassed various initiatives, such as the establishment of a smart radio wireless network with mast towers, upgrading the solid waste management infrastructure, and introducing smart classrooms to enhance the ICT learning environment in government-run schools, among others.

Within the framework of the Smart City Mission, several civic works were being undertaken, including the reconstruction of roads, pavements, storm water drains, utility crossing chambers, and footpaths across different road segments in Panaji. This construction activity had been causing inconvenience to the public and leading to traffic congestion. Additionally, the mission entailed the replacement of aging water supply, sewage, and electrical lines, as well as the installation of gas lines.