the goan I network
PANAJI
Even as several legislators had earlier opposed the Bharatmala project in Goa, the Minister for Public Works Ramkrishna "Sudin" Dhavalikar yet again wholeheartedly supported the project. Under Bharatmala, several coastal roads are supposed to be widened to become national highways.
Dhavalikar said, "Bharatmala project is a must in Goa because we are getting Rs 7,000 crore through this project. I'm not saying that we will build roads wherever we want. We can always change alignment if peo
PANAJI
Even as several legislators had earlier opposed the Bharatmala project in Goa, the Minister for Public Works Ramkrishna "Sudin" Dhavalikar yet again wholeheartedly supported the project. Under Bharatmala, several coastal roads are supposed to be widened to become national highways.
Dhavalikar said, "Bharatmala project is a must in Goa because we are getting Rs 7,000 crore through this project. I'm not saying that we will build roads wherever we want. We can always change alignment if peo
ple want."
Several sections of society have been concerned about this project saying that road widening along the coastal belt will totally affect the vibe of Goan villages.
Savio Messias, president, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), said, "In my opinion, roads in very few coastal areas can be considered for widening under the Bharatmala project. You can't have a highway in Baga, Calangute and Candolim because the development is very close to the road.
"In fact, even in other parts of North Goa like Mandrem, Verem and Saligao, people's homes are very close to the road. Any kind of road widening will affect their lives."
Moreover, there is another issue of alcohol sale not being allowed within 500 meters of national and state highways. If coastal roads end up becoming national highways, it will be impossible to sell alcohol through bars and restaurants along this route.
"If coastal roads are widened to become highways, we will face the problem of closure of bars. You may not have bars left in most parts of Goa then," Messias said.
Bars and restaurants are an essential part of Goa as a tourism destination. Even earlier, tourism stakeholders have feared that Goa's essence and image as a destination will be totally affected if coastal roads are widened under the Bharatmala project.
Meanwhile, Dhavalikar said, "I will take the Bharatmala project forward. I will take the people and the bar and restaurant association into confidence."
During the monsoon session of assembly, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemão had vehemently opposed Dhavalikar when he had supported the Bharatmala project.
Several sections of society have been concerned about this project saying that road widening along the coastal belt will totally affect the vibe of Goan villages.
Savio Messias, president, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), said, "In my opinion, roads in very few coastal areas can be considered for widening under the Bharatmala project. You can't have a highway in Baga, Calangute and Candolim because the development is very close to the road.
"In fact, even in other parts of North Goa like Mandrem, Verem and Saligao, people's homes are very close to the road. Any kind of road widening will affect their lives."
Moreover, there is another issue of alcohol sale not being allowed within 500 meters of national and state highways. If coastal roads end up becoming national highways, it will be impossible to sell alcohol through bars and restaurants along this route.
"If coastal roads are widened to become highways, we will face the problem of closure of bars. You may not have bars left in most parts of Goa then," Messias said.
Bars and restaurants are an essential part of Goa as a tourism destination. Even earlier, tourism stakeholders have feared that Goa's essence and image as a destination will be totally affected if coastal roads are widened under the Bharatmala project.
Meanwhile, Dhavalikar said, "I will take the Bharatmala project forward. I will take the people and the bar and restaurant association into confidence."
During the monsoon session of assembly, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemão had vehemently opposed Dhavalikar when he had supported the Bharatmala project.
