Goa’s extensive road network, enhanced by new bridges, has greatly reduced travel time across the state, according to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. He shared that the central government has approved infrastructure projects worth around Rs 25,000 crore for the state.
Sawant mentioned that 279.38 kilometres of road infrastructure are under development, including a 123.88-km stretch along the Mumbai-Kanyakumari corridor that passes through Goa. Additionally, a 67.92-km road as part of the Hyderabad-Panaji corridor is benefiting the state. A 37.5-km-long road is also being built to connect the Mormugao Port to the industrial estate in South Goa.
Several other road projects are underway, many of which have been completed, he added. Among the key projects are two parallel Zuari bridges, which have reduced travel time between Margao and Panaji from two hours to just 30 minutes. The Zuari bridges were constructed at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore, while the Atal Setu bridge over the Mandovi River near Panaji was built for approximately Rs 900 crore.
Sawant also noted that the Manohar International Airport in Goa is connected to National Highway 66 via a 6.58-km road.
Locals have expressed their appreciation for the improved infrastructure. Margao-based lawyer Vinay Patkar shared how he is now able to attend court cases in both Margao and Panaji on the same day, something that was difficult due to longer travel times in the past. “It used to take at least two hours during peak traffic to reach Panaji from Margao. Now, it takes just 30 minutes,” Patkar said. He added that he can now reach Mapusa in an additional 20 minutes.
The state’s tourist taxi business has also benefited from the upgrades. Vikrant Signapurkar, a taxi driver, noted that passengers no longer miss flights at Dabolim Airport due to congestion on the old Zuari Bridge. He said passengers now enjoy the smooth ride over the new cable-stayed Zuari bridge and consistently reach the airport on time.
With inputs from PTI