Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that Rs 557 crore had been sanctioned to develop the 9.6-km length of NH-748 from Ponda to Bhoma, giving impetus to the contentious plan to four-lane the Ponda-Bhoma highway.
The people of Bhoma have been fiercely opposing the project for the past year because they believe that the highway’s expanding work will destroy the village’s temples and split it in two.
“In Goa, Rs 557 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of a 9.6 km four-lane stretch from Ponda to Bhoma on National Highway 748. This project will close a critical gap between the four-lane sections of Khandepar to Ponda and the Ribandar bypass, facilitating smoother traffic between Panaji and Ponda,” said Gadkari.
He said that it would also improve interstate connectivity with Karnataka and provide better access to Dabolim Airport and Mormugao Port. The expansion is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce accidents in the area, which has been plagued by frequent traffic incidents.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for approving the 4-laning of the 9.6 km stretch of NH-748 from Ponda to Bhoma.
Sawant said that this project will significantly improve connectivity between Panaji and Ponda, and further extend to Belagavi..
“The Double Engine Sarkar has consistently focused on improving infrastructure in Goa, creating employment and economic opportunities, and setting the state on the path to ViksitGoa and ViksitBharat.
