PANAJI
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Sunday assured funds to set up a gallery on the new Zuari bridge showcasing Goa’s history.
“I have a dream, a gallery should be put up on the Zuari bridge wherein the history and freedom struggle of Goa would be showcased, to all Indians. Additionally, a small capsule lift too could be put up. And I assure that all the required funds for this project would be made available through the Centre”, said Gadkari.
The assurance was given at a function organised to celebrate the 60th birthday of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at Campal Ground, Panaji.
Gadkari also announced that Rs 50 crore would be spent to make Goa’s highways green. Presently, Goa has been sanctioned projects worth Rs 5000 crore by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
“I have decided that 1 per cent of cost of construction will be used for plantation, transplantation and beautification and maintenance. So, of the Rs 5000 crore worth projects that will be taken up in Goa, one per cent (Rs 50 crore) will be used to plant trees”, he said adding that he will take the responsibility to develop Goa’s national highways as green express highways.
Gadkari applauded the efforts of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Union Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik for their regular follow-ups to get these projects sanctioned for Goa.
Meanwhile, Gadkari is likely to visit the State on December 26 to lay the foundation stone for the proposed eight-lane cable-stayed 640-metre long Zuari bridge. The ceremony which was earlier scheduled for December 19, has now been postponed and is likely to take place on December 26.
