Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Jun 11: In a setback to Goa’s long-standing infrastructure ambitions, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has put a hold on the proposed Rs 15,000 cr ring road project, stating that the state must first complete the pending 40 km of its highway expansion work that began in 2016.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had earlier secured approval for the ambitious ring road project from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in December 2022. The aim of the project was to decongest Goa’s internal traffic by facilitating seamless interstate movement of heavy vehicles via a dedicated outer corridor. However, ministry officials have now made it clear that the ring road work cannot commence until all pending highway widening works are completed.

According to sources, the highway expansion – meant to cater to Goa’s vehicular traffic until 2030 – still has incomplete stretches in key areas like Cuncolim, Canacona, Bhoma, and Ponda. With no fixed deadline for completion, officials are concerned about further delays affecting future expansion planning. A reassessment of traffic density is scheduled for 2030.

Ministry officials, in a strongly worded communication to Goa, emphasized that progressing with the ring road project without completing the ongoing works would violate planning norms. “The state has been clearly told that the ring road cannot proceed until the balance 40 km of national highway is completed,” a source said.

Work on the highway expansion has suffered several setbacks, including prolonged delays in land acquisition, public opposition due to environmental and structural concerns, and demands for elevated corridors. The project has also faced scope alterations, adding to the uncertainty.

Insiders reveal that during former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s tenure, it was decided to initiate highway construction on stretches where land had already been acquired, with other sections to follow gradually. However, this patchwork approach backfired, as contractors exploited the delays to claim cost escalations.

With the ring road now in limbo, and critical highway sections still pending, Goa’s infrastructure dreams seem tied down — both literally and administratively — until the foundational work is finished.