PANAJI
The State Cabinet on Friday approved the formalisation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) ‘Namo Tarang’ for the implementation of the Goa Metro project.
Addressing a press conference post meeting, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said creation of the SPV would help streamline the implementation of the project and enable its faster execution.
The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has already commenced work on the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), while simultaneously undertaking key technical studies, including traffic and topographical surveys, required for the project.
The first phase of the DPR will examine nine river corridors connecting Divar, Chorao, Vanxim, Sarmanas, Narve, Cortalim, Aldona, Madkai, Adpai, Durbhat, Panaji and Betim. The network could subsequently be expanded based on the operational success of the initial phase.
As per the preliminary feasibility study, the project is estimated to cost around Rs 3,200 crore. The proposed network envisages a fleet of more than 100 electric boats, with passenger-carrying capacities ranging from 50 to 150.
The Cabinet also approved the commencement of additional maritime skill development courses at the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence (GIME).
Sawant said the institute is being developed on a public-private partnership basis. He clarified that the existing courses would continue during the transition as the institution is developed into GIME.
The Cabinet also granted approval to the Farmers Service Producer Organisation policy, aimed at strengthening farmer organisations and supporting their activities.
