MARGAO
The economy of Margao, the commercial capital of Goa, is characterised by the presence of wholesale and retail markets and secondary industries owing to the proximity to the Margao and Verna Industrial Estates. Margao's rich heritage, surrounding ecology, tourism and underdeveloped southern side possess potential to be explored for generating revenue and advancing the economy of Margao. With the help of planning strategies the following can developed and upgraded.
The major economic nodes proposed fall along the proposed primary public transit loop. The aim is to facilitate better connectivity within the city and encourage shorter travel time, in addition to providing jobs and enabling economic growth. 3 major and some smaller economic nodes along the transit loop are strengthened. The major nodes are:
1 The NH66 is re-imagined from being a major highway within the city to being a civic and commercial corridor and the bus stand area is envisioned to include retail and commercial uses.
2. In the central area of Margao, a heritage loop is proposed, connecting various historically significant places. The Holy Spirit Church area is celebrated by creating pedestrian plazas and streets in order to increase tourism and encourage people to experience the rich heritage. The Margao Municipal Garden and MMC Market area are redeveloped with pedestrian plazas and streets in order to facilitate easy movement in the area. The proposed Museum of South Goa is proposed to generate revenue in the area.
3. The area south of the railway station is developed as an Innovation Hub with a new residential district. The railway station is re-imagined as an Inter-Modal Transit Gateway to Margao. The new economic node is characterised by agro- tech and agro-tourism.
