Government allocates Rs 7.66 billion for Goa highway projects

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has sanctioned a budget of Rs 7.66 billion for the execution and fortification of several National Highways projects in Goa. In a social media post, the minister conveyed that an amount of Rs 4.55 billion had been approved for the construction of a 4-lane flyover from MES College Junction to Bogmalo Junction, covering a total length of 3.35 Km on NH-566. Furthermore, a 4-lane Vehicular Underpass (VUP) at Queeny Nagar Junction, spanning 1.22 Km, would be constructed under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode within the National Highways (original) framework. Gadkari revealed that an allocation of Rs 3.10 billion had been given the green light for land acquisition in Goa to facilitate the construction of the Cuncolim Bypass from Uskini-bandh Cuncolim to Bendordem. Covering a distance of 8.33 Km on NH-66 in the South Goa district, this project, incorporated in the Annual Plan 2023-24, aims to hasten the completion of the Mumbai to Kanyakumari Economic Corridor. He pointed out that the bypass would address congestion and accidents in Cuncolim town, ensuring enhanced connectivity to tourist destinations, South Goa district HQ, and the capital city Panaji. This development envisions improved service levels, substantial socio-economic advantages, lowered Vehicle Operating Cost (VOC), and reduced travel time.