PANAJI
With works worth over Rs 200 crore involving nine projects under Smart City Mission still undergoing -- with March 31 deadline nearing -- the Goa government informed the Centre that delay in obtaining clearances, land acquisition issue, seasonal rains and several other factors led to overall delay in implementing and completion of the projects under the mission.
Union Minister of State for Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu informed Rajya Sabha on Monday that of the total 51 projects, amounting to Rs 1,051 crore, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has completed 42 projects at cost of Rs 849 crore as on March 4, 2025.
Responding to the question tabled by Goa MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, the MoS said that nine projects amounting to Rs 202 crore are ongoing and that the Government of India has extended the Smart City Mission up to March 31, 2025 for completion of its all ongoing projects.
The Ministry said that the IPSCDL had claimed Central financial assistance of Rs 441 crore under the mission, out of which Rs 411 crore has been utilized.
On reasons for the project delay, the Minister said that IPSCDL has informed about challenges encountered in implementing the projects.
“As appraised by the Panaj Smart City, the challenges encountered in implementing smart city projects include, inter alia, delay in obtaining clearances from different departments, land acquisition, groundwater issues, seasonal rains, challenges in vendor and resource availability in city, procurement of construction material,” Sahu informed the upper house.
He said that the IPSCDL has taken various steps to expedite works like deployment of additional manpower, working in three shifts, close supervision by concerned departments etc.
The MoS also said that in order to address public grievances arising from dust pollution, traffic congestion, road conditions and safety concerns due to Smart City works, the IPSCDL has taken several measures including, inter-alia, provisioning of alternative routes, daily updates on road diversions published in newspapers and on the official website, proper signage and barricading for smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety, regular water spraying in construction zones, covering construction materials, temporary road repairs and adequate lighting and installing reflectors and warning signs.
