Porvorim, Sept 9: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday inaugurated the new six-lane elevated corridor on NH-66 connecting Porvorim and Guirim, describing the flyover as a crucial project for improving Goa’s connectivity.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, ministers Digambar Kamat and Rohan Khaunte and other dignitaries attended the inauguration.

Gadkari said the Porvorim flyover was completed on schedule despite difficulties encountered during piling work and challenges faced by contractors. He congratulated the contractor and project team for completing the major infrastructure project.

In another significant announcement, Gadkari said work on the Bhoma–Ponda road project will begin in October 2026 and is targeted for completion by October 2028. The foundation stone for the project had been laid in 2025.

Gadkari Unhappy With Mumbai–Goa Highway Delay

Gadkari expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged delay in completing the Mumbai–Goa highway, saying he would not inaugurate the project.

He said around 94 per cent of the highway work has been completed, but blamed delays on the contractor. Gadkari announced that he would personally inspect the Mumbai–Goa road in October and warned of strict action, including blacklisting contractors who fail to complete projects within stipulated deadlines.

The Union Minister also highlighted Atal Setu and the Zuari Bridge, saying the proposed viewing gallery at the Zuari Bridge could emerge as a major tourist attraction.

Goa, IIM Nagpur Sign MoU on Traffic Management

During the programme, the Goa government also signed an MoU with IIM Nagpur for data-driven traffic management and studies aimed at addressing congestion and road-safety problems.

Chief Minister Sawant said IIM Nagpur would study road accidents in Goa and submit a comprehensive plan within six months.

Sawant also announced that the Porvorim flyover will be opened to regular traffic at 4 pm on September 11.

He credited the Centre with making substantial investments in Goa’s infrastructure and said projects such as Atal Setu, the Zuari Bridge and improved road connectivity had strengthened the State’s transport network.

₹20,000-Crore Infrastructure Push

Minister Digambar Kamat said infrastructure projects worth around ₹20,000 crore had been undertaken in Goa with Gadkari’s support over the past 15 years. He also urged the Union Minister to consider declaring the Karaswada–Sankhali–Sanvordem and Balli–ONGC routes as new National Highways.

Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte described the six-lane elevated corridor as a long-cherished project and thanked Porvorim residents for their patience during construction.

The inauguration marks a major milestone for NH-66 in North Goa, with the government expecting the elevated corridor to ease chronic congestion through Porvorim and improve north-south connectivity.