MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said Goa has undergone its biggest-ever transformation in road infrastructure over the last decade, while urging the Centre to extend support for a new set of strategic road projects, including the proposed Rs 1,900-crore Borim Bridge across the Zuari River.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 237th Mid-Term Council Meeting of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) at Dona Paula, Sawant said improved road connectivity has become the backbone of Goa's economic growth and quality of life, with over Rs 15,000 crore invested by the Centre in the state's infrastructure between 2015 and 2026.
"Whenever a nation develops, the first sign of its progress is seen on its roads. Better roads improve economic activity and enhance the quality of life," Sawant said, adding that Goa's road network has moved "from planning to execution" during the last decade.
Claiming that such extensive road development was never witnessed under previous governments, the Chief Minister said 124 kilometres of highways have already been upgraded to four-lane standards, describing it as one of the fastest highway transformations in the state's history.
"Many stretches were once narrow and heavily congested. Today, the picture has changed dramatically," he said.
Sawant said landmark projects such as the Atal Sethu, the Margao Western Bypass and the Canacona Bypass have significantly improved connectivity and eased traffic congestion across the state.
Seeking continued assistance from the Union Government, the Chief Minister identified several priority infrastructure projects requiring central support, including the new Borim Bridge over the Zuari River, the Banastarim Bypass, Sanquelim Bypass, the Mollem-Sattari road link and improved pedestrian infrastructure.
He also stressed the need for safety improvements along the Mollem-Khandepar route and called upon engineers and planners to focus on developing greener, smarter and safer transport systems aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Sawant said several major road projects currently under execution, including the Porvorim elevated corridor and ongoing highway four-laning works, will further strengthen connectivity across North and South Goa while reducing travel time and congestion.
Meanwhile, Public Works Department Minister Digambar Kamat announced that the much-awaited six-lane elevated corridor at Porvorim will be inaugurated on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, marking a major milestone in Goa's highway infrastructure.
The four-day IRC meeting, organised by the Indian Roads Congress in association with the Goa Public Works Department, has brought together policymakers, engineers, researchers and infrastructure experts from across the country to deliberate on the future of India's road and highway sector.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta, who also addressed the inaugural session, urged engineers to play a leading role in shaping India's future road infrastructure through innovation, quality engineering and advanced technologies.
He said India must aspire to become a global leader in road construction by developing sustainable and future-ready infrastructure that benefits generations to come.
The event will feature technical deliberations, research presentations and meetings of the IRC Council, Highway Research Board and senior Public Works Department officials from across the country.
