The main four-way junction in the beach village, serving as a gateway to Calangute and Baga beach.
MAPUSA
The bustling Calangute junction is poised for a significant transformation as plans are underway for its comprehensive reconstruction and beautification.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Calangute Panchayat and the Calangute Association Club, aiming to enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the key intersection leading to Goa’s renowned Calangute Beach.
Under the proposed plan, the Calangute Panchayat will appoint an architect responsible for designing the revamped junction, while the Calangute Association Club will fund the development work.
The project encompasses infrastructural upgrades, including modern landscaping, improved lighting, and the installation of CCTV cameras to bolster security in the area. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, who inspected the site alongside Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira, panchayat members and representatives from the Calangute Association Club, expressed optimism about the project’s impact on the local community and tourism.
“The Calangute Association Club, in collaboration with the appointed architect, will undertake the much-needed beautification of this junction,” Lobo stated. “We expect the development work to commence soon and aim for completion within the next two months,” he added.
Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira highlighted the collaborative approach of the project, noting that a comprehensive plan would be developed and finalised with input from all stakeholders before construction begins.
“We are committed to creating a well-designed and functional space that reflects the vibrancy of Calangute,” Sequeira said.
“The inclusion of CCTV cameras will also enhance safety and monitoring at this crucial junction,” he added.
The project also plans to address longstanding issues with street lighting in the area.
Lobo pointed out that while the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) had previously installed decorative lamp posts along the Calangute promenade, these lights were often non-functional due to incomplete handover procedures to the electricity department.
“Proper electrification is a priority for this project to ensure the entire area is well-illuminated and safe for both locals and tourists,” Lobo added.
Emphasizing the need for proactive governance, Lobo remarked that such development projects should ideally be spearheaded by the State government, which has so far shown limited interest in undertaking these improvements.
Additionally, Lobo acknowledged a reduction in the issue of touts in the village but urged local police to maintain vigilance to prevent any resurgence.
The upcoming facelift of the Calangute junction is anticipated to enhance the overall tourist experience and contribute positively to the local economy by providing a more organized and visually appealing environment.
