PANAJI: Having failed to meet the March 31 deadline for completion of Smart City works, the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has justified that 90 percent works are complete, while any other ongoing works are not related to Smart Mission.
Addressing a press conference amid backlash from the Opposition and activists, IPSCDL MD Sanjit Rodrigues claimed that works on the MG Road, 18 June Road and Pandurang Pissurlekar Road were never part of the Smart City Mission due to existing central drainage issues.
"We have communicated to the government, which has allocated separate budgetary provisions to complete these projects under a different initiative... We have completed 90 percent work, and at present, there are no trenches or digging, excavation or barricading in Central Panaji except Taad Maad. If there is, it's not by IPSCDL," he said.
Rodrigues reiterated IPSCDL’s commitment to completing projects as per the High Court affidavit. "The roadworks in Central Panaji have been completed as per the affidavit filed on January 27, 2025. Landscaping works will commence on June 1, 2025, and be completed by June 30, 2025, as per court directives," Rodrigues said.
Acknowledging challenges such as multiple underground utility lines, fiber network cables and old drainage systems, he highlighted efforts to correct these issues while ensuring minimal disruptions. "All drains have been cleared of obstructions, ensuring uninterrupted services," he added.
Regarding St Inez road, Rodrigues explained that while 2,800 meters have been completed, additional time is needed due to the complexity of ongoing deep excavation work. He also confirmed that the Ribandar Ferry Ramp was fully completed by March 31, 2025, with debris clearance underway.
Similarly, work on Rua do Ourem remains pending due to an unawarded PWD contract for the sewage pumping line. "We have informed the government and are awaiting further action before proceeding with road concretization," Rodrigues explained.
He reassured that all completed roads have a five-year warranty, with ongoing rectifications to ensure durability. "The final layer of asphalt will be laid once settlement is confirmed before May 31, 2025," he said denying missed deadlines and incomplete work.
