An ambitious Rs 10 crore road beautification and redevelopment project covering two of the city’s busiest stretches ” Swatantra Path and FL Gomes Road ” was inaugurated on Tuesday, marking the start of a major makeover of Vasco’s urban landscape.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar on inaugurated the works in the presence of Mormugao Municipal Council Chairperson Girish Borker, city ward councillor Shami Salkar and local residents. The project is scheduled to be completed within a year and will be taken up in a phased manner.
Speaking to reporters after the launch, Salkar said the project has been designed to address long-pending civic issues while preserving the emotional and cultural identity associated with the two iconic roads.
“Swatantra Path and FL Gomes Road are deeply connected with the memories of Vascokars. Over the years, trees have aged, footpaths have deteriorated and gutters have not seen proper restoration, resulting in recurring problems,” he said.
He explained that the redevelopment will be executed in four major stages ” restoration and repair of gutters, paving of footpaths, installation of illumination systems and landscaping with new tree plantation. Separate ducts will also be created for underground cables and pipelines to prevent repeated digging in the future.
Salkar said the project will include extensive landscaping, upgraded footpaths, improved drainage, adequate parking facilities and measures to streamline traffic movement.
“We are aiming for total beautification and a functional upgrade of both roads. Railings will be installed at suitable locations, and dedicated provisions have been made to erect poles for major public events without damaging the road surface,” he added.
Noting that Swatantra Path hosts large gatherings during religious and cultural events such as Saptah, Carnival and Shigmotsav, the MLA said special attention has been given to durability and crowd management needs.
The existing old trees will be carefully removed and relocated where possible, while new trees of the same species will be planted along both roads to retain their original visual character. Salkar also said local engineers and residents are being consulted, to seek suggestions on design elements such as paving patterns and materials.
The work will begin with gutter restoration on Swatantra Path, proceed towards the IOC junction, extend to FL Gomes Road and conclude near the Church Square. Salkar appealed to residents to share their suggestions at this stage so that they can be incorporated during execution.
