Panaji Smart City Development Along Caculo Mall Stretch May Miss May 31 Deadline

Despite the looming May 31 deadline for the completion of all ongoing smart city work in Panaji, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) might not meet the target for the smart road work on the stretch from Caculo Mall to the Tonca sewerage treatment plant (STP) due to practical challenges.

IPSCDL acknowledged that while the cumulative target for completing all road works and making the road functional is May 31, this specific stretch may require more time.

The challenges stem from the depth of sewerage works along the stretch, which are nearly 8 meters below road level and situated significantly below the bed of the St. Inez creek, posing major drilling challenges, IPSCDL stated. Currently, out of the total 430 meters, the main trunk pipeline (300 meters) has been laid, with work on the remaining 130 meters, passing under the St. Inez creek and connecting to the Tonca STP, in progress. Additionally, progress has been made on the construction of manholes along the stretch.

The ongoing sewerage work on the stretch is being closely monitored by IPSCDL, led by CEO Sanjit Rodrigues, to ensure adherence to the May 31 deadline.

Regarding the stretch from the Four Pillar junction to the Old Patto bridge, IPSCDL's appointed contractor has completed all major sewerage works, including laying a total pipeline of 1,400 meters, constructing 40 manholes, and installing 80 house connection chambers. Only one interconnection remains pending, which is expected to be finalized shortly. Currently, road restoration work is underway.

IPSCDL clarified that road construction on this stretch for the smart road project can commence only after the Public Works Department (PWD) completes the ongoing installation of new pumping lines to connect pump houses located at Mala, near Bhandari hospital, and near the income tax office.

ET