Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways, stated that the total amount of money allotted and spent on projects approved by his ministry on Goa’s national highways between 2019–20 and 2023–24 is Rs 3,619 crore.
According to the written information that Gadkari gave to Sadanand Tanawade, a member of the Goa Rajya Sabha, the expenses and related funds allocated during 2019–20 totaled Rs 977 crore, 2020–21 totaled Rs 734 crore, 2021–22 totaled 615 crore, 2022–23 totaled Rs 673 crore, and 2023–24 totaled Rs 620 crore.
The data also showed that a total of 65 projects were approved over these five years, with a minimum of 8 projects approved in 2020–21 and a maximum of 22 projects approved in 2023–24. Roads totaling 199.91 kilometers are covered by all of these National Highway projects.
Gadkari stated that the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways is primarily focused on the construction and upkeep of National Highways. He said that some of the approved projects have been delayed because of pre-construction activities like utility shifting, land acquisition, and the lack of road closure or diversion. These issues have been resolved, and the projects are currently being carried out in accordance with updated goals.
In addition to reducing travel time and vehicle operating costs and improving road user safety, the written response noted that “the construction of these NH development projects will ensure smooth flow of both inter-state and intra-state traffic with better connectivity boosting tourism and the overall economic growth of the state.”
