Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently inaugurated a new six-lane road, complete with elevated viaducts, connecting Manohar International Airport to Dhargal on National Highway (NH) 166S. This development marks a crucial step forward in enhancing the state’s road network and improving connectivity.
Constructed by Ashoka Buildcon Ltd, the 7-km-long corridor features an impressive 2.7 km elevated section that peaks at around 40 m, navigating the challenging hilly terrain. The project also includes four road overbridges and a four-leg interchange, aiming to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted that the elevated road boasts the highest pillar height in the country, underscoring the project’s engineering marvel.
The road, connecting Mopa Airport to NH-66, was officially designated as NH-166S by the Union Government in September 2020, even before the airport became operational. NH-66 itself is a major highway stretching from Panvel near Mumbai to Cape Comorin in Kanyakumari, passing through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Currently, the 15 km journey from Dhargal to the greenfield airport involves navigating internal roads, taking approximately 30 minutes during off-peak hours. The new elevated road is set to cut this travel time by more than half, significantly enhancing accessibility.
Officials stated that with the elevated corridor in place, both Manohar International Airport and the existing airport will have similar travel times from Panjim, Goa’s capital, resolving a longstanding issue within the state.
The new infrastructure is expected to enhance multi-modal connectivity and reduce logistics costs, providing a substantial economic boost to the region.
Additionally, Minister Gadkari expressed his commitment to further improving Goa’s road network, announcing plans to allocate Rs 25,000-30,000 crore over the next five years. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive masterplan addressing transportation and pollution reduction, particularly in major tourist destinations like Rishikesh and Dehradun.
This funding will be instrumental in advancing projects like the eastern ring road, designed to allow traffic from Karnataka and Maharashtra to bypass Goa’s towns. The state also received approval for the Panaji-Belagavi four-laning project and the construction of road underpasses at several critical junctions, further enhancing Goa’s transportation infrastructure.