Team Herald
MARGAO: Two years after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant laid the foundation stone for two major infrastructure projects in Margao — the six-lane Road over Bridge (ROB) at Rawanfond and the widening of the road from Khareband Bridge to Rawanfond Circle — there is still no sign of work commencing on the ground.
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Despite an elaborate foundation-laying ceremony in 2023 and public assurances of timely delivery, both projects remain in limbo. The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), the agency responsible for implementation, has made no visible progress.
Citizens say Margao continues to suffer from the same traffic congestion and poor road conditions the projects were supposed to resolve.
Marking the two-year anniversary with sarcasm, local activist Prabhav Naik posted on social media: “2nd anniversary of inefficiency. Still, waiting for the ‘foundation’ to show up. Must be using invisible concrete. The only thing laid to rest seems to be the project.”
The estimated combined cost of both projects is Rs 84 crore. They were projected to provide significant relief to Margao’s traffic and boost urban infrastructure. However, public frustration has grown over the government’s failure to follow through.
“This is a classic example of announcement-driven governance with no action to back it,” said Savio Coutinho, former chairperson of the Margao Municipal Council. “You cannot fool the people of Margao with foundation stones and empty promises. The government owes us an explanation and a timeline.”
In addition to the stalled road projects, other promises made during the same 2023 event — including a new KTC bus stand and a medical college for South Goa — have also remained on paper.
Pradeep Naik, a local resident and civic observer, said the delays are unacceptable. “We were told these projects would be completed within four years, but at this pace, even the start seems uncertain. Citizens are not asking for miracles — we just want the basic infrastructure we were promised.”
With growing public pressure, citizens are now demanding that the Chief Minister, GSIDC, and the relevant authorities provide a transparent update and commit to a concrete timeline for completion.
