Gadkari Greenlights ₹1060 Crore for Goa's Bhoma-Old Goa Four-Laning

The Centre has approved a funding of Rs 1,060.2 crore for the four-laning of a seven-km stretch from Bhoma to Old Goa on NH-748. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, who highlighted that this upgrade would complete the four-lane Panaji-Khandepar corridor.

This project aims to improve connectivity between Goa and the Southern states, addressing long-standing traffic congestion issues. "The highway, formerly known as NH 4-A, spans 153 km from NH 48 near Belagavi in Karnataka to NH-66 near Panaji, Goa, acting as a crucial link for passenger and freight traffic from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka to Goa," the Minister explained.

To alleviate traffic congestion and overcome space constraints in areas like Bhoma, Corlim, and Ella, the project will include two elevated corridors covering 4.2 km, along with seven-meter-wide service roads on both sides. This sanctioned section fills the gap between the four-laned segments from Khandepar to Ponda and the Ribandar bypass. It forms an essential part of the interstate transport corridor and is expected to enhance access to Dabolim airport and Mormugao port via NH 566 and NH 66.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.