Team Herald
PANJIM: Nearly a month after the Centre approved Rs 99.99 crore for the tourism coastal circuit infrastructure development plan in the north district, Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) has decided to tender the ambitious project inviting bidders from across the country.
The decision taken during the GTDC Board meeting also decided to revise and re-send three other proposals – development of river circuits such as Dona Paula jetty, South Goa temple circuit and South Goa coastal circuit – which were rejected by the Centre for funds.
“For the project approved, we have decided to release a tender shortly. Whereas for the three rejected proposals, the board resolved to revise the plans and send it to the Centre for approval again,” GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral told Herald.
Under the approved proposal, GTDC will undertake development of Aguada (fort and jail) at a cost of Rs 30 cr, parking lot at Anjuna (Rs 15 cr), nine toilet blocks in Panjim and another 30 at Candolim-Sinquerim-Baga (Rs 8 cr), beautification of Calangute-Sinquerim-Baga stretch (Rs 4cr), installing CCTV cameras across beaches and installing tourist signage guidelines (Rs 2 cr) while the remaining amount will be allotted for beautification of selected temple premises and setting up basic facilities there.
The project under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, would undertake works in phases with the first phase along the tourist popular belt of Bardez and Pernem besides other coastal areas.
The project components include providing infrastructure at various coastal areas like tourist information centers at Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Morjim and Ashwem, providing wi-fi facility, and safety and security measures.
“The projects will enhance future prospects of turning the coastal and spiritual circuits into a world class destination for both domestic and international tourists,” an official who attended the meeting said.
