Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Digambar Kamat on Monday evening confirmed that Goa will host its first-ever Formula 4 race in Mormugao later this month. Kamat further confirmed that preparations for Goa’s first-ever Formula 4 race in Mormugao have officially begun. Kamat said he had personally visited the port town to review the role of the PWD and other agencies involved in the groundwork for the prestigious international event.
“Formula 4 is a very prestigious event, and the Government has taken a decision to host it. For the very first time, Goa is getting an opportunity to host this event — and we will host it. The works for the event have already begun, and I had come here to review the role being played by the PWD, understand what works are to be done, and ensure smooth coordination among departments,” Kamat said after chairing a joint meeting with officials from the PWD, NHAI, Forest, Police and other government departments at Baina.
Referring to the concerns raised by local residents during earlier protests, Kamat assured that all grievances will be addressed on priority. “We will take care of any issues, and the grievances of the locals will be considered and resolved accordingly. I have asked the Mormugao Municipal Council Chief Officer to speak to the locals so their problems are resolved. If people have any issues, they can meet the concerned officials or even MLA Sankalp Amonkar, who is well briefed about this event. Whatever grievances the people have, we will ensure they are looked into,” he said.
On the delay in road repairs near Vales Junction, Kamat explained that continuous rains have disrupted hotmixing works. “For repair of roads, we need the hotmix plants to start. The contractors have said they need only four days to hotmix the service roads once the plants start. But if the hotmix plants don’t start, they are helpless and I am also helpless,” he said, adding that hotmixing was the only permanent solution. “If we try temporary measures to fill potholes using a jet patcher, the mix peels off due to the rains and people start complaining again. We are hopeful of getting maximum roads repaired and hotmixed within the next 10 to 15 days.”
Goa is slated to host the Formula 4 race as part of the Goa Street Circuit Race 2025 from October 31 to November 2. The event, which will also feature the Indian Racing League, will take place on a 3.2 km ocean-front circuit through Mormugao — South Asia’s first of its kind — with an estimated cost of ₹176.9 crore, of which the state government will contribute ₹56.9 crore.
