After a lot of indecision by previous governments, it has finally been decided by the BJP government that it would take up a pilot project from Old Goa to Panjim for four-laning the National Highway – 4A, as part of complete four-laning of the entire stretch from Panjim to Ponda.justify.
PWD Minister Sudin Dhavlikar disclosed that the cost of the project is Rs 156 crores and is proposed to be started in November this year.“The entire exercise is to enable people to see that process of road widening and four-laning would be done for the entire stretch at a later stage,” explained Dhavlikar.Dhavlikar was replying to volley of questions in the Goa Assembly Friday from Cumbharjua Opposition MLA Pandurang Madkaikar.The opposition MLA questioned why the PWD had acquired 60 metres of land when the requirement for road widening was not more than 35 to 45 metres. He expressed concerns that a large number of houses would have to be razed if the widening process exceeds 35 metres.Dhavlikar said that additional area was acquired in case there was need for further widening in future.
At the moment the widening extends only upto 35 metres.Presently, the proposal for widening the NH-4A is with the Centre for its approval.Dhavlikar said that the government will try and ensure that minimum houses are razed and would also rehabilitate all those who are losing their houses in this process.a
Courtesy: Herald
