Goa launches ₹850-cr road widening venture

An elevated road corridor, which is a part of the 17.4 km-long four/six laning project of the highway from Karaswada to Bambolim entailing an investment of ₹850 crore, has been fast tracked. A China-based Quingdao Constructions has been awarded the contract of four-laning the stretch from Karaswada to Bambolim excluding the Mandovi bridge. The Chinese player has entered into a joint venture with a Hyderabad firm for the purpose. The project is expected to be completed in two years from the commencement of work on the project. Work on the Karaswada-Bambolim stretch has already begun in areas where the land is already in the state's possession. In case of the remaining stretches, land acquisition processes are currently under way. The first part of the project is about 3 km long in the Porvorim area and is also a part of the national highway expansion. The road will be constructed on stilts to save houses and commercial structures from being lost to the project in the very congested area. The elevation will begin on the northern side at the Sangolda junction and will end at the junction near Mall de Goa. The project, including land acquisition, will be entirely funded by the central government. The elevated corridor on the National Highway 17 (Porvorim) has been planned in a manner that will not affect a single structure but is expected to bring major relief to the residents and entrepreneurs alike.