Phase 3 Roadwork nears completion in Central Panaji, roads open for Carnival

Goa Khabar : The extensive roadwork project in Central Panaji is progressing steadily, with Phase 3 nearing completion, ensuring vehicular movement just in time for the Carnival parade celebration. To facilitate the festive season, traffic movement has been partially restored on Phase 3 roads, minimizing disruptions for residents and visitors.

The phased road development project in Central Panaji by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) began earlier this year with the goal of enhancing the city’s infrastructure while minimizing public inconvenience. Phase 1, spanning 735 meters, commenced on January 2, 2025, covering MG Road (from St. Inez Junction to Caculo Island), MG Road (from Don Bosco School to Caculo Island) and Swami Vivekananda Road. This phase was completed ahead of schedule on January 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progress.

Following this, Phase 2 began on January 18, 2025, covering a total of 1,024 meters across multiple key roads. The work included MG Road (354 meters from Don Bosco School to UCO Bank and 170 meters from Liberty Showroom to Vinanti Restaurant), TB Cunha Road (320 meters from 18th June Road Junction to DB Road Junction), 18th June Road (140 meters from the culvert near NGPDA office to Caculo Island) and Cunha Rivara Road (40 meters from Vinanti Restaurant to DB Road Junction). This phase was successfully completed on February 7, 2025, further improving road connectivity in the city.

Currently, Phase 3, which began on February 8, 2025, is in its final stages. This phase covers 1,415 meters, including MG Road (380 meters from UCO Bank to Vinanti Restaurant), General Bernardo Guedes Road (535 meters from Geeta Bakery to DB Road Junction near INOX), General Costa Alvares Road (200 meters from Panjim Market to DB Road), an internal road (200 meters from Tom Liquor Shop to DB Road) and two internal lanes (100 meters between General Costa Alvares Road). With most of these roads now open for vehicular movement, the city is well-prepared to facilitate smooth traffic flow for the Carnival parade celebration, one of Panaji’s most vibrant events.

Looking ahead, Phase 4 is set to begin on March 1, 2025, covering 530 meters along MG Road (from Old Patto Bridge to Liberty Showroom). Additional stretches may be included as needed to enhance connectivity, with completion targeted for March 31, 2025. The final stages of the project, Phase 5 and Phase 6, will focus on bituminous concrete paving, road painting, landscaping and tree plantation, scheduled between May and June 2025. The entire project aims to enhance Panaji’s road infrastructure while ensuring minimal inconvenience to the public.

“Carnival is one of Panaji’s most important events, bringing together residents and visitors in a grand celebration. Keeping this in mind, we prioritized making key roads accessible for vehicular movement while continuing our efforts to enhance the city’s infrastructure. We appreciate the patience and support of the public as we work towards completing this project,” said a Senior Official of IPSCDL.