Goa Plans to Upgrade Key State Highways to National Highways
With the expansion of Goa’s national highways almost complete, the state is now focusing on fixing traffic issues on key state highways. Officials are planning to upgrade some state highways to national highways. This move would allow these roads to receive funding from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for further improvements.
Highways Proposed for Upgrade
The highways being considered for upgrade include:
- Karaswada to Sanquelim and Usgao in North Goa
- Amigos to Baithakhol in Ponda, South Goa
These routes are important for regional travel and carry heavy traffic, including mining trucks and interstate vehicles.
Eligibility for National Highway Status
To become a national highway, a state highway must meet certain criteria, such as:
- Handling at least 10,000 passenger car units (PCUs) daily (trucks and buses count as three PCUs each).
- Connecting major towns or states.
- Serving industrial or tourist areas.
Officials believe these highways meet the requirements due to the heavy traffic from mining and interstate transport.
Challenges and Previous Efforts
Earlier attempts to upgrade some state highways to national highways were partially approved but later canceled due to changes in policy. Authorities now plan to resubmit these proposals, emphasizing their importance for improving travel and regional development.
Traffic Issues and Development Plans
- Sanquelim (Dattawadi): A major traffic jam point for vehicles traveling to Belagavi, Karnataka.
- Ponda (Amigos Highway): Current road widening work is expected to finish by 2025, making way for further expansion of this busy route.
Next Steps
Preliminary studies are underway to assess the feasibility of upgrading these highways. Detailed studies will follow before the final proposal is sent to MoRTH. If approved, these upgrades will improve travel, reduce congestion, and boost economic growth in Goa.
