the goan I network
PORVORIM
An ambitious Rs 55 crore ‘Goa Bazaar' is being planned at Merces to provide various facilities to local and inter-state artisans and self-help groups, while also offering other amenities, including an amphitheatre, 200 shops, food courts and exhibition hall.
Speaking to reporters along the sidelines of a demolition drive at Nerul, RDA Minister Jayesh Salgaonkar said the ‘Goa Bazaar' project will be set up on 30,000 sq. mtrs at the entrance of Merces.
"Of the Rs 55 crore, the RDA will spend Rs 10 crore and balance Rs 45 crore will be provided by the central government," said Salgaonkar,
"This is a dream project of the RDA and will be the first of its kind in the State and only the second such project in the country, as a similar project exists in New Delhi."
"The ‘Goa Bazaar' will provide facilities for artisans from Goa as well as other states to sell their products, such as pottery, jute bags, etc. Most of these shops will be allotted to Goan artisans to display their products, while some shops will be reserved for artisans from other states such Rajasthan, Manipur, Karnataka, Orissa and Maharshtra."
"The project will be a ground-plus-one storeyed complex, which will have 160 shops for vegetables and fruit vendors as well as other product sellers. Some shops will also be allotted to Self-Help Groups to provide them a platform to sell their products," said Salgaonkar.
"The complex will feature an amphitheatre along the lines of of Kala Academy and will have a capacity for more than 1,000 people. The project will also have various other amenities, such 40 open-air shops and food courts, conference room, exhibition hall and training centre."
An RDA office and water bodies such as fountains are also planned at the complex, the minister said. Salgaonkar informed that the project has been approved by Parrikar and added that RDA has begun applying for permissions from authorities concerned.
"Once these permissions are obtained, the RDA hopes to begin construction work in January 2018 and the project will be made ready within 18 months," the minister said.
He added that the ‘Goa Bazaar' will also feature a drive-in concept, "to enable vehicle owners enter the complex in their vehicles, buy their requirement and exit the premises. There will be ample parking space and toilet facilities for visitors," said Salgaonkar.
ONE OF A KIND: GOA BAZAAR
To provide facilities to local & inter-state artisans & self-help groups
To be set up on 30,000 sq mtrs at the entrance of Merces near Mandovi bridge
Most shops to be allotted to Goan artisans to display products
Shops also to be reserved for artisans from Rajasthan, Manipur, Karnataka, Orissa & Maharshtra
Project to be a ground-plus-one complex
To have 160 shops for vegetables and fruit vendors as well as other product sellers
RDA office, water bodies such as fountains also planned
AMPHITHEATRE TOO!
The complex will feature an amphitheatre along the lines of the open-air theatre of Kala Academy and will have a seating capacity for more than 1,000 people. It will also have various other amenities, such as 40 open-air shops and food courts, conference room, exhibition hall and a training centre
DRIVE-IN CONCEPT
With ample parking space and toilet facilities for visitors, the ` 55 crore complex will enable vehicle owners to drive into the complex, buy their requirement and exit the premises
