MAPUSA
The State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Building Construction Corporation (India) Ltd (NBCC) for the redevelopment of seven key infrastructure projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The projects include the redevelopment of Junta House, Circuit House at Altinho, government quarters at St Inez, the government garage at Panaji and the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) bus stand at Vasco. In addition, NBCC will construct the Prashasan Stambh administrative complex at Chimbel, Kadamba Plateau.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the projects would be executed on a 70:30 space-sharing arrangement, with NBCC retaining about 70 per cent of the developed space and the government receiving the remaining 30 per cent on lease for a period of 60 years.
However, two projects – the Prashasan Stambh building and the new Circuit House – will be handed over entirely to the State.
Sawant explained that undertaking these works independently could have cost the exchequer nearly Rs 2,500 crore.
“Instead of the government investing directly in such projects, PPP is preferred. It allows fast-tracking through private investment,” the CM said, assuring that the projects would be completed within the next two years.
The redevelopment drive, he added, will boost the State’s economy, create employment opportunities, and provide modern infrastructure.
He highlighted the urgent need for a new Circuit House, pointing out that the existing structure is in a dilapidated condition.
“Many times, we have to book hotels for guests arriving in the State. A new Circuit House will address this issue,” Sawant noted.
The government has also indicated that foundation stones for some of these projects will be laid within the next 15 days.
