The Centre has sanctioned Rs 641.46 crore for building an elevated corridor between Sangolda junction to the Majestic hotel section of NH-66 to improve accessibility to the newly built Mopa Airport.
The 5.15-km-long six-lane elevated corridor at Porvorim is being developed by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
“This project will resolve the traffic congestion in the section of NH-66 leading upto Panjim City and also channel accessibility to the newly commissioned MOPA airport. The project upon completion is expected to give impetus to tourism and industry in the state,” said Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday (18 April).
The stretch of highway between the Sangolda-Guirim Junction and Conqueror Circle is one of the busiest routes in the State, especially with traffic proceeding along the Mapusa-Panaji and Saligao-Panaji routes.
The huge flow of traffic on the highway in addition to traffic proceeding to the Mall de Goa and other business establishments in Porvorim have often led to traffic jams along the stretch.
The State government initially had plans to widen the highway, but following objections from owners of businesses and houses along the highway at Porvorim, the plan was revised to a highway on stilts.
A number of owners of businesses and houses then approached the Supreme Court but the matter was settled, enabling the State government to go ahead with the project.