TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The State ministry for PWD is eyeing close to Rs 100 crore for road up-gradation works under the Central Road Fund and Prime Minister’s Sadak Yojana.
For the first time Goa is availing benefits under the PMSY scheme of which an amount of Rs 39 crore has already been allocated for the State.
Likewise an amount of Rs 36 crore has also been allocated to the State from the Centre under the Central Road Fund for the purpose of road works. An additional amount of Rs 40 crore is also in the pipeline, according to PWD and Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar.
Dhavalikar who is currently in Delhi to attend a meeting by the Union minister for road transport on road safety measures said, “The only way we can make our roads safe in Goa is by upgrading the roads from the funds allocated for the State.”
Dhavalikar said that the money allocated under the PMSY will be utilised for up-gradation of rural roads while the funds allocated under the central road funds would be utilised for improving state highways and major district roads.
The PWD ministry is of the opinion that while road networking in Goa is good, that the condition of roads is far from expectations.
“Priority needs to be given for having three and four lane roads,” Dhavalikar said adding that roads to beaches and villages are also a priority.
The PWD and transport ministry will be making a point in its meeting with central officials tomorrow on need for road widening in the State as a measure towards making roads safer in Goa.
Dhavalikar said that this is the first time that the Centre has called State ministers to discuss the aspect of road safety measures.
Dhavalikar said that the funds allocated under the central road funds would be utilised for improving State highways and major district roads
