The Public Works Department (PWD) of Goa faces a budget shortfall, bringing state road repairs to a standstill. Having already spent its Rs 90 crore budget on the Western bypass project due to an order by the National Highway Authority, the PWD now seeks additional funds. PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral acknowledges the urgency for road maintenance and anticipates discussions with the Chief Minister for financial reinforcement. As the department awaits a post-National Games resolution, road repairs are slated to begin by December, conditional upon the release of consolidated fund allocations.
The Public Works Department (PWD) of the state of Goa is facing a severe financial crunch, rendering it incapable of initiating much-needed repairs on the deteriorating state roadways. Despite the urgent public demand for action, the PWD's budgetary allocations have been depleted, with the full Rs 90 crore outlay for road maintenance and construction already spent.
In an unforeseen turn of events, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) stipulated that the construction of the Western bypass should be financed with state funds, promising reimbursement at a later date. This directive has led the State PWD to invest over Rs 165 crore into the bypass, including Rs 70-80 crore from the current year's budget.
PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral expressed his dismay over the financial burden imposed by the bypass project as the expectation was that the Central government would finance the Western bypass project. He stressed the impossibility of delaying the bypass, highlighting its legal oversight by the High Court and the necessity to maintain payments to contractors to avoid disrupting progress.
As a result of these additional expenses, the PWD's earmarked funds for road repair have been redirected. The minister indicated that the remaining financial requirements would now have to be met through the state's consolidated fund.
Despite a significant budget allocation of Rs 2600 crore for the PWD this fiscal year, the department finds itself in a tight spot. The Minister disclosed plans for an urgent discussion with the Chief Minister, following the National Games, to secure additional funding for road repairs.
Acknowledging the critical state of the roads, Cabral assured that once additional funds are made available, the restoration of the roads would begin by the end of November or early December.
The situation brings to light the challenges of infrastructure funding and the delicate balance of prioritizing projects under fiscal constraints. The state awaits a resolution that will facilitate the commencement of road repairs and restore safe and efficient travel for its citizens. With the assurance from the minister and the impending discussion with the Chief Minister, the residents can hold onto a thread of hope for the near future.
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