Land Acquisition Begins for Next Phase of NH-748 in Goa

The Bhoma-Old Goa corridor forms a key arterial route linking Ponda with central parts of Goa and carries substantial commuter, industrial and tourist traffic that causes frequent congestion at peak hours. Authorities state that widening the highway will improve traffic movement, reduce travel time and enhance road safety for residents and road users. Planners have prepared designs taking into account current traffic patterns and future demand.

The project has received administrative approval under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a public-private partnership framework that combines government funding with private sector participation. The Union government had earlier sanctioned the scheme with an estimated investment of around Rs 5.57 billion (bn). Engineers evaluated multiple alignment options to minimise displacement and safeguard heritage and religious structures located along the corridor. In constrained stretches the design incorporates elevated sections and other engineering solutions to limit land acquisition while maintaining operational efficiency.

Officials describe the latest notification as an important procedural milestone rather than the start of physical construction, with land acquisition and statutory clearances remaining critical prerequisites in densely populated areas. Upgraded infrastructure is anticipated to ease freight movement, strengthen commercial activity and improve access to industrial zones, educational institutions and tourist destinations in central Goa. Once statutory processes are completed, construction activity on the NH-748 expansion can proceed at pace to bolster the state's transport network.