I now refer to the November 2009 final project report for formulation of master plan for Indian National Expressway network. This report was prepared by a Faridabad-based Consultant for MoRT&H. The prioritized expressway segments (PPP mode) for the National Expressway network are listed in Table 1 (pg 3 and pg 4) of this report. The Mangalore-Karwar-Panjim (400km) expressway is listed at high priority no.10 (phase I). Also, the Panjim-Mumbai expressway is listed at priority no.22 (phase II).
The six-lane expressway project passing through Goa was rejected several years ago. As a result, no specific demarcation for expressway from Pernem to Canacona was made in the Regional Plan for Goa-2021 taluka and village land-use plans. It is reported that several road stretches were deleted by the consultant from the National Expressway Network based on the comments received from the states. When did the State of Goa send their comments to delete the expressway project? Did the Expressway master plan consultant include the State of Goa in the National Expressway network based on the requirements of the neighbouring states?
The expressway network plans of the consultant in the above referred report are based on wrong/incomplete information. I shall highlight one such case, relevant for Goa and suggest alternative solution. According to Fig.4.9-Major seaports of India (refer pg 26 of the report), Goa has two major seaports. They are Panaji Port and Marmagao Port. Both these ports are indicated in red. None of the intermediate seaports between Mormugao and Mangalore are marked on the plan. At least one of the existing intermediate ports between Mormugao and Mangalore in coastal Karnataka can be upgraded and modernized so that the bulk cargo can be transported by sea to this seaport from Mormugao major port or elsewhere. The Panjim-Karwar-Mangalore expressway can be re-designated as Karwar-Mangalore expressway. This expressway can be further extended and linked to the Golden-Quadrilateral Highway (near Hubli) for diverting heavy traffic. Does Goa need high density inter-state road transportation corridors?
The much needed Agassaim-Cortalim Zuari Road Bridge has been delayed by more than 10 years. It now appears that the NH/NH PWD alignments shown in the RP for Goa-2021 village land-use plans for the Agassaim-Cortalim Zuari Road Bridge and approach roads are different from the proposed new six-lane Zuari Road Bridge/approach road alignments. Therefore, there is a need to revise the alignment layout plans for the bridge connectivity. The alignment layout plans of the six-lane highway/expressway from Pernem to Panjim and from Panjim to Canacona are equally important and should be correctly demarcated on the land-use plans. The revised Regional Plan for Goa -2021 village land-use plans should be immediately sent to the local bodies for approval or otherwise. In case the six-lane highway/expressway alignment layout plans are not acceptable to the local communities, the National Expressway Network Road stretches should be immediately deleted in Goa.
