PANJIM: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has in-principle agreed to inaugurate the third Mandovi Bridge in August with the State government confident of completing the much-awaited project by July.
During his two-day visit to New Delhi this week, the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar met Modi and invited him to inaugurate the cable-stayed bridge over the Mandovi River in August.
“I have told PM that the third Mandovi Bridge would be complete by June–July and requested him to inaugurate the bridge in August. He has in-principal, without giving any fixed dates, has agreed,” Parrikar told reporters after the Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
The State government has also extended invitation to the PM for starting work of the Convention Centre at Dona Paula. Last September, Parrikar, had announced that the 50th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in a new convention centre, Phase-I of which will have ten screening halls and capacity to handle 5,000-6,000 audience. The State Cabinet has already approved the construction of the proposed convention centre on a public private partnership (PPP) basis.
Responding to media questions on whether other issues were discussed with PM, Parrikar declined divulging details stating, the discussion was personal and confidential.
“Yes, the political scenario was discussed. Discussion between the PM and me was confidential and for one-to-one consumption,” he said in reply to a query. He however added, “He inquired about progress on Mopa airport, convention centre and 7-8 important ongoing infrastructural projects. There were certain issues pertaining to Goa which I flagged off to him (PM) and those (issues) will be raised with the (Union) finance minister.”
During his visit, Parrikar also met Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Prakash Javdekar, Suresh Prabhu and Amit Shah.
