Panaji, 04, February 2025: The Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT 1.0 projects are progressing steadily, with significant improvements in road infrastructure, sewerage systems, and public facilities. Authorities remain committed to executing these projects efficiently while minimizing public inconvenience.
Road Works
In Central Panaji, roadwork is being carried out in multiple phases. A total of 3,400 meters of roads have been completed, while 3,450 meters remain pending. Phase I, which began on January 2, 2025, covers 735 meters along MG Road (from St. Inez Junction to Caculo Island), MG Road (from Don Bosco School to Caculo Island), and Swami Vivekananda Road. This phase has been completed ahead of schedule, which was initially set for completion by January 20, 2025.
Phase II, spanning 1,024 meters, commenced on January 18, 2025, and is scheduled for completion by February 7, 2025. It includes stretches along MG Road, TB Cunha Road, 18th June Road, and Cunha Rivara Road.
Phase III, covering 1,415 meters, is scheduled between February 8 and February 28, 2025. Phase IV, covering 530 meters, will be executed between March 1, 2025, and March 31, 2025.
In Phase V, the laying of Bituminous Concrete (BC) with road painting on all completed roads is scheduled between May 1, 2025, and May 31, 2025. These dates have been proposed to allow the settlement of the Dense Bitumen Macadam (DBM) layer and necessary rectifications, if any, without requiring road closure.
In Phase VI, landscape and tree plantation work is scheduled between June 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025. The proposed dates are intended to ensure a better plant survival rate and will not involve road closure.
In St. Inez, out of a total of 3,000 meters of roadwork, 2,800 meters have been completed, with the remaining 200 meters set for completion by March 31, 2025, as per the affidavit filed in the Bombay High Court of Goa. Similarly, in Rua de Ourem, 13,800 meters of roadwork remain pending.
In Phase I of Rua de Ourem, spanning 810 meters, work will be executed between February 1, 2025, and February 28, 2025, covering stretches from Old Patto Bridge to the Income Tax Office and from the Handicrafts Building to the Four Pillar Junction. Phase II, covering 570 meters, will be undertaken from March 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. To ensure smooth traffic flow, a diversion plan has been implemented for commuters traveling through Rua de Ourem. Phase III consists of footpath, utility ducts laying, and road painting work, which is scheduled to start on April 1, 2025, and will be completed by May 31, 2025. To ensure student safety, work is scheduled during school vacations. Rua de Ourem Phase IV will focus on landscaping and tree plantation work, with a commencement date of June 1, 2025, and a completion date scheduled for June 30, 2025. The proposed dates aim to ensure better plant survival and won’t involve road closures.
Other notable infrastructure projects include the Café Bhonsle Precinct Square upgradation works in Panaji, which involves upgrading Antao De Noronha Road (Café Bhonsle) for 70 meters and the adjacent road near Chai Corner for 30 meters. Both projects began on January 2, 2025, and are set to be completed by March 31, 2025. While these works are ongoing, the 150 sqm central triangular space is yet to commence, with a completion date of March 31, 2025.
Footpath and utility laying work will commence on April 1, 2025, and will be completed by May 31, 2025. Landscaping and tree plantation will follow from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025.
The widening of the Ribandar First Ferry Ramp, which began on December 18, 2024, is progressing rapidly and is set for completion by February 15, 2025, to facilitate Ro-Ro ferry services.
Sewerage Works
Sewerage works across Central Panaji are progressing, with 15 interconnections completed near MG Road and 18th June Road. In Bhatlem, the sewerage connectivity from Rajdeep Anandi Residency to Pumping Station 10 is progressing well, with 9 manholes constructed and 7 under construction. Out of 40 planned house connections, 7 have been completed, 11 are ongoing, and 22 are yet to commence. Additionally, the sewerage work from Madhuban Circle to India Café has seen the construction of 7 manholes with 2 interconnections, and 13 house connection pipes have been laid, while the road leading to Taleigao from Bhatlem has had 16 manholes and 2 interconnections completed, with 7 house connection pipes laid.
At Altinho, 595 meters of sewer line have been laid using the HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) method, 85 meters are ongoing, and 220 meters are pending, along with the projected construction of 30 manholes and 60 house connections. In Mala and Rua de Ourem, one manhole is under construction, 3 house connections have been completed, and 20 house connections are pending, along with 5 interconnections and the construction of 3 manholes yet to commence. Meanwhile, in Miramar, one interconnection has been completed, one pipe rectification is completed, and three house connections have been completed. One pipe rectification, one manhole construction is ongoing, and two interconnections are yet to commence at locations near Hotel Goa International, Dhempe College Road, and Caranzalem Junction.
The completion of these projects under the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT 1.0 will significantly improve urban infrastructure, connectivity, and sanitation facilities. Authorities are ensuring timely execution while minimizing inconvenience to the public.