Goa CM Seeks Rs 1000 Crore from Centre for Key Projects

24 Jun 2024 CW Team

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has sought a substantial financial assistance package from the Central government, amounting to Rs 1000 crore, aimed at bolstering key infrastructural and cultural projects in the state. During a pre-budget meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday, Sawant emphasized the critical importance of these funds for Goa's development.

In his detailed proposal, CM Sawant requested Rs 700 crore to be allocated for water augmentation projects, which are essential to address the growing water needs of the state. Additionally, he appealed for a Rs 300 crore grant to support the upcoming decennial exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier. This significant event, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims and tourists from around the globe, is scheduled to take place between November 21, 2024, and January 5, 2025, at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, near Panaji.

"The chief minister said these initiatives are essential for Goa's development, and he expressed certainty that they will be included in the upcoming Union Budget 2024-2025," the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated in an official release.

Sawant also highlighted the necessity for financial support to enhance the Konkan Railway, aiming to strengthen connectivity and spur economic growth in the region. His appeals underscore a broader strategy to improve Goa's infrastructure and cultural heritage, thereby boosting its economic and tourism prospects.

The chief minister's visit to Delhi also included participation in the GST Council meeting, reflecting his active engagement in national fiscal policy discussions.

As Goa prepares for the significant St Francis Xavier exposition, the state government is hopeful that the Union Budget will accommodate these vital funding requests, enabling the successful execution of these projects and ensuring sustainable development for the state.

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

Tripura Rail Survey Approved For Jirania–Bodhjung Link

The Ministry of Railways has approved a Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed new railway line between Jirania and Bodhjung Nagar in Tripura. The planned section will span 14 km and is estimated to cost around Rs 4.2 million, with the entire alignment located within West Tripura district. The approval marks a key step towards strengthening railway infrastructure and supporting industrial growth in the state. Bodhjung Nagar is Tripura’s principal industrial and commercial hub, developed mainly for resource-based industries such as rubber, bamboo and food processing. The proposed Jirania..

MCF Raebareli Rolls Out Its 15,000th Passenger Coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, has reached a major production milestone with the manufacture of its 15,000th passenger coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said. During the current financial year 2025–26, the unit has produced a total of 1,310 coaches so far. Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli, MCF is among India’s most advanced passenger coach manufacturing facilities. Built at a cost of around Rs 31.92 billion, the factory has an installed annual capacity of 1,000 coaches and is located about 3 km from Lalganj on the Kanpur–Raebareli Roa..

RVNL Wins Gandak River Rail Bridge Contract

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award from North Eastern Railway for a major railway infrastructure project valued at Rs 1.65 billion. The contract relates to the construction of the substructure for a key railway bridge over the Gandak River. The bridge will be constructed between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations as part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section. Designed to enhance capacity and operational efficiency, the structure will comprise 14 spans of 61 metres each and will be supported by double D-type well foundations. The des..