PANAJI
The upcoming Formula 4 race in Mormugao has hit a roadblock, with councillors of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) voicing strong opposition and demanding clarity on permissions, safety, and logistics before the event takes off.
The councillors allege that neither the council nor local residents were consulted before the high-profile race was approved. They have submitted formal representations to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other concerned departments, highlighting the risks and calling for transparency. “Such an international event cannot be thrust upon residents without taking them into confidence,” the councillors said, adding that public safety remains their biggest concern.
Goa is slated to host its first-ever Formula 4 race as part of the Goa Street Circuit Race 2025, scheduled from October 31 to November 2. The race, which will also feature the Indian Racing League, will be Round 4 of the Indian Racing Festival. The 3.2 km street circuit, planned through the port town of Mormugao, is being billed as South Asia’s first ocean-front racetrack.
The event comes with an estimated cost of Rs 176.9 crore, of which the State government is contributing Rs 56.9 crore. The scale and location of the project, however, have sparked questions among elected representatives and locals alike.
The councillors argue that a detailed plan on crowd control, emergency response, and track safety is crucial, especially given the high speeds of Formula racing in densely populated localities like Headland-Sada and Bogda. They also raised concerns about traffic diversions and the impact on essential services during the three-day spectacle. Infrastructure development linked to the race, they noted, could have long-term implications for the port town.
The opposition from MMC councillors has now put pressure on both the government and the organisers, Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), to address these questions openly. With Goa’s first street race promising global attention, the balance between showcasing the State on an international stage and ensuring the safety and confidence of its residents has become the focal point of debate.
