Panaji (Goa) [India], October 15 (ANI): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday inaugurated a vacuum sewerage network for low-lying areas, in Panaji and stated that this step will help in dealing with challenges posed in high water table areas and will consequently improve the city's infrastructure.

"...For the first time in the country, vacuum sewer system has been installed in Goa. It has been installed under the Panaji Smart City Mission and Amrit Project. So I congratulate the PWD and Sewerage Department. This is a project worth Rs 8.5 crore..." said CM Sawant.

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The Chief Minister posted on X, "Inaugurated India's first "Automated Vacuum Sewer Network Project" at Mala, Panaji, under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). The project involves providing, installing, and commissioning a vacuum sewer network with house connections for low-lying areas in Panaji, along with five years of operation and maintenance. This innovative solution will address challenges in high water table areas like Mala and St. Inez, improving the city's infrastructure. The Government of Goa is dedicated to enhancing infrastructure for the ease of living for the residents of Panaji and the State."

Earlier on Monday, the centre approved Rs 557 crore for the 4-laning of the 9.6 km stretch from Ponda to Bhoma on NH-748, to be executed on EPC mode. This section represents the missing four-lane link between the adjacent four-lane segments of Khandepar to Ponda and the Ribandar bypass. It serves as a critical connection between the major towns of Panaji and Ponda. Additionally, this project will facilitate inter-state traffic from Karnataka and enhance connectivity to Dabolim Airport and Mormugao Port via NH-566 and NH-66. The current stretch suffers from significant congestion and frequent accidents. The 4-laning will ease traffic, decongest the area, and address 4 accidents blackspots.

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Thanking the centre for the approval of Rs 557 crore for the 4-laning of the 9.6 km stretch from Ponda to Bhoma on NH-748, Goa CM wrote on X, "I express my gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji & the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji for approving the 4-laning of the 9.6 km stretch of NH-748 from Ponda to Bhoma. This project will significantly improve connectivity between Panaji and Ponda, and further extend to Belagavi.. The Double Engine Sarkar has consistently focused on improving infrastructure in Goa, creating employment and economic opportunities, and setting the state on the path to #ViksitGoa and #ViksitBharat." (ANI)

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