Rs 650-Crore Porvorim Flyover to Open Sept 10, Improve Connectivity and Ease Traffic Congestion;Khaunte

Minister for Tourism and Porvorim MLA Rohan A. Khaunte hoists the National Flag at the Government Complex Building, Mapusa; highlights Goa’s development, tourism, employment and IT initiatives

Goa Khabar: Minister for Tourism and Porvorim MLA Shri Rohan A. Khaunte announced that the Rs 650-crore state-of-the-art Porvorim flyover will be inaugurated on September 10 by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, during his address at the Independence Day programme held at the Government Complex Building, Mapusa.

Khaunte said the work on the Porvorim flyover is nearing completion and its inauguration will mark a significant milestone in Goa’s infrastructure development. He said the project will provide a permanent solution to the longstanding traffic congestion on the Mapusa-Panaji route and improve connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors.

“The Porvorim flyover is a significant infrastructure project for Goa. Its completion will address the longstanding traffic congestion on the Mapusa-Panaji route and provide smoother connectivity. The inauguration on September 10 will mark an important milestone in our efforts to strengthen infrastructure and improve the quality of life for the people of Goa,” Khaunte said.

Khaunte hoisted the National Flag at the Government Complex Building, Mapusa, as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, he said the country is presently witnessing the Amrit Kaal of Independence, a period of development, progress and new opportunities. He said the government’s focus remains on inclusive development and creating opportunities for the people of Goa.

“The inclusive development of the Country and Goa is the firm resolve of our double-engine government. The report of the government’s performance over the past five years is our progress report,” Khaunte said.

Highlighting tourism, Khaunte said the sector remains the backbone of Goa’s economy and has provided stability to the State following the ban on mining. He said the government has expanded tourism beyond the beaches by developing homestays, eco and hinterland tourism, spiritual, heritage, adventure, culinary, wellness and yoga tourism.

He said the Government’s steps to reclaim Goa’s historical identity as Dakshin Kashi have also gained success.

Khaunte also highlighted the upcoming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum in Farmagudi and the Porvorim Town Square Project, stating that 75 to 80 per cent of work on these projects has been completed. He said the projects, supported by financial assistance from the Central Government, will add new attractions to Goa’s tourism landscape and create employment opportunities for locals.

On employment generation, Khaunte said creating jobs remains a primary objective of the government. Goa currently has 815 startups, of which 382 have been founded by women. Since the launch of the Startup Policy in 2018, more than Rs 4.5 crore has been distributed through grants, while financial assistance has also been extended under the IT Policy launched in 2021.

He said the Tuem Electronics Manufacturing Cluster will provide a boost to Goa’s IT and electronics manufacturing sector, benefiting from highway connectivity and proximity to Mopa Airport. The government is also working to attract Global Capability Centres of global companies to Goa.

Khaunte said the State Government is working towards making Goa as an IT knowledge hub through the implementation of the IT Policy, Startup Policy, digital governance, e-services and skill development initiatives.

Concluding his address, Khaunte paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured India’s independence and called upon citizens to preserve Goa’s culture, language and identity while contributing towards the vision of an advanced, safe, clean, digital and prosperous Goa.