Vasco
The much-awaited four-lane Loop 2 road project on NH17-B, connecting Mormugao Port for cargo transportation, is set to be inaugurated on January 21 by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari.
Gadkari will also inaugurate the flyover from the Dabolim-Bogmalo junction to Queeny Nagar. Both projects have been constructed by the State PWD and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who attended the Transport Ministers’ Council meeting in Delhi, confirmed that Gadkari will visit Goa on 21 January to inaugurate both projects, which will be opened to the public thereafter.
The 5.2 km Loop 1 of the project, connecting Varunapuri to Sada junction, was inaugurated in January 2022 by Gadkari. Loop 2, spanning 3.5 km, runs from the Ravindra Bhavan junction to MPA Gate No. 9, with an up ramp and a down ramp.
In a significant decision during the Council meeting chaired by Gadkari in Delhi, it was agreed to extend the driving licence renewal period from the current one year to two years.
Additionally, the Council approved Goa’s request to allot a Driving Testing Centre, even though the State’s population is below 20 lakhs, which is usually a key criterion for such allotments.
Godinho also shared that he proposed a new scheme similar to the Goa Miles Goencho Patrao initiative.
Under this plan, local individuals are given taxis on loan without needing to pay any margin money. The government now intends to introduce a similar concept for bus transport, with Central assistance.
