In a baffling turn of events, the CEO of Smart City, Sanjit Rodrigues, has stated that critical thoroughfares in Panaji—AB Road, 18 June Road, and Pandurang Pissurlekar Road—will not be included in the ongoing Smart City Mission.
This announcement came just after the deadline of March 31, marking the completion of various projects under the initiative. During a recent press conference, Rodrigues emphasized that these roads could not be developed as part of the Smart City Mission due to the presence of central drains running beneath them.
His remarks raised eyebrows, provoking questions about the rationale behind sidelining the very infrastructure that serves as the lifeblood of Panaji.
Tourists and locals alike regularly traverse these roads, which makes their omission from the Smart City blueprint seem especially perplexing. With an investment of ₹1000 crore directed toward Smart City projects, one must wonder why vital arteries would be left out of the equation.
Rodrigues continued to clarify that the Goa government is aware of this situation and has earmarked special funding in the 2025-26 budget to address these roads in the future.
However, this effectively means that for the foreseeable future, these principal avenues will remain untouched, essentially failing to meet the core objectives of transforming Panaji into a smarter, more efficient urban area.
The implications of excluding AB Road, 18 June Road, and Pandurang Pissurlekar Road from Smart City renovations raise significant concerns. Are we left with merely superficial enhancements, such as expensive surveillance cameras, an extravagant administrative office, and uneven pavements? If the essential roads that facilitate daily commutes and tourism are neglected, what does that say about the city’s vision for a “smart” future?
Moreover, these developments beg crucial questions about the planning and execution mechanisms within the Integrated Planning and Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL).
Did they overlook these roads during the planning stages? Or was there some miscommunication regarding their status? As deadlines rapidly approach and buzz surrounding these projects grows louder, one cannot help but ponder if there are underlying motives at play—perhaps an attempt to manoeuvre around potential legal ramifications tied to the High Court’s scrutiny over Smart City implementations.
The situation in Panaji serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in urban development projects, particularly those of such magnitude and significance. The local populace deserves transparency and accountability as they seek out modern amenities and enhanced infrastructure. With smart city initiatives heralded as the future of urban living, it is crucial to ensure that foundational roads and services are prioritized, rather than being left behind.
Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues’ announcement raises more questions than it answers.
As Panaji advances towards its Smart City aspirations, stakeholders must strive to comprehend how these road omissions will affect the project’s integrity and the overall experience for residents and visitors alike. Without significant thoroughfares being integrated into the Smart City Mission, can we genuinely claim to be progressing towards a smarter and more sustainable urban environment?
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