Mixed reactions to Margao Master Plan proposal

10 Oct 2023 CW Team

The proposal for a master plan for Margao by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has sparked concerns, especially considering a similar initiative launched in 2013-14 that never materialised.

Prior to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's departure to assume the role of Defence Minister, the government had commissioned a Spain-based design firm to create a master plan for Margao. Substantial groundwork had been initiated, with engineers from the consultancy firm conducting four visits to Margao to understand its developmental needs and gather input. Interactions were held with various government bodies such as PWD, SGPDA, land survey department, and traffic police to address Margao's developmental challenges.

However, the change in government leadership in November 2014 led to the master plan being put on hold. Ambitious ideas for Margao's development, including completing the ring road project, resolving issues on the eastern bypass highway at Nuvem, constructing a western bypass from Verna to Navelim, establishing a transport terminus, creating green spaces, recreation zones, cycling tracks, and pedestrian streets, remained unrealised.

The Shadow Council for Margao, notably architect Carlos Gracias, has expressed reservations about GSUDA's master plan initiative. Gracias questioned the necessity of a new master plan when an Outline Development Plan (ODP) already exists. According to him, the law mandates the preparation of a Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) rather than another parallel planning effort.

Infrastructure Transport

24 Oct 2025

Bengaluru Unveils Rs 1,200 Bn Infra Upgrade Plan

Bengaluru is set to receive a massive infrastructure boost worth Rs 1,200 billion under new projects planned by the Karnataka government to enhance urban mobility and connectivity. The initiative includes the expansion of the city’s metro network, construction of tunnel roads, elevated corridors, and 500 km of white-topping works to improve road durability. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will jointly execute the projects. Key projects include tunnel roads between Hebbal and Mekhri Circle, 25 new signal-free corridors, and ..

Cochin Shipyard delivers first indigenous ASW vessel ‘Mahe’ to Navy

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered INS Mahe, the first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy. The vessel is part of an eight-ship series being constructed under the Navy’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative to strengthen coastal defence capabilities. Designed and built entirely in India, Mahe features advanced sensors and weapon systems for detecting and neutralising underwater threats in coastal waters. The vessel underwent extensive sea trials before delivery, demonstrating high performance and manoeuvrability. This milestone reinfo..

Vedanta Group to invest Rs 1,000 billion more in Odisha projects

Vedanta Group has announced an additional investment of Rs 1,000 billion in Odisha to expand its operations across metals, energy, and downstream industries. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, made the announcement during the third edition of the Make in Odisha conclave, highlighting the state’s pivotal role in India’s industrial growth.The investment will focus on strengthening Vedanta’s aluminium and copper businesses, establishing new value-added facilities, and boosting employment in the region. The company already operates large-scale plants in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh, contributing significan..