PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has sought a special package of Rs 500 crore from the Centre to meet the capital expenditure and developmental needs of Goa’s newly created third district, Kushavati.
The demand was placed during the pre Budget meeting convened by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, where Sawant also submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the State’s expectations from the Union Budget 2026–27.
The memorandum highlights Goa’s request for continuation of the Special Assistance for Capital Investment scheme with enhanced allocation for FY 2026–27.
The State has also urged the Centre to carry forward recommendations under the 16th Finance Commission award period and to revise the Centre–State funding pattern to 90:10, citing Goa’s limited revenue base and unique developmental challenges.
Among the major demands, Sawant pressed for Rs 1,000 crore to develop industrial corridors integrated with National Highways, aimed at boosting manufacturing and logistics.
He also sought the introduction of superfast/Vande Bharat trains connecting Goa to Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad, to strengthen regional connectivity.
For infrastructure, the State has asked for Rs 160 crore to build a new Margao railway station with intermodal connectivity, along with a new crossing station at Mayem.
Environmental concerns feature prominently, with a demand for Rs 600 crore to tackle sea erosion and support climate mitigation projects along Goa’s vulnerable coastline.
Healthcare and urban infrastructure are also on the list with Rs 300 crore sought to strengthen the health sector and around Rs 600 crore to upgrade sewerage, solid waste management and stormwater systems across the State's urban centres.
In addition, Goa has proposed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for tourism skilling, aimed at enhancing workforce capabilities in the State’s flagship sector.
Sawant’s memorandum further calls for a Rs 100 crore special incentive package to promote renewable energy initiatives, underscoring Goa’s commitment to sustainable development.
