In response to Unstarred Question No. 908 by Shri Captain Viriato Fernandes, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways (Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari) stated that the alignment of NH-748 section in Goa, including the stretch through Ponda Taluka, has been finalized considering feasible alternatives including the Regional Plan 2021. The design aims to avoid damage to religious and heritage structures. Based on the Detailed Project Report, land acquisition along the existing highway has been optimized by providing an elevated corridor in Bhoma village. The project was sanctioned on March 31, 2025. This information was provided on December 4th, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
NH-748: National Highway 748, section in Goa, subject to proposed expansion
Regional Plan 2021: Referenced plan for alternate alignments of the national highway
Ponda Taluka, Goa: Location where the NH expansion is proposed
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: Primary ministry responsible for the highway expansion project
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 908
ANSWERED ON 4TH December, 2025
NH Expansion in Ponda Taluka, Goa
908. SHRI CAPTAIN VIRIATO FERNANDES:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the proposed expansion of the National Highway at
Bhoma village in Ponda Taluka in Goa has considered the alternate
alignments indicated in the Regional Plan 2021 to the east of the
existing highway and the possible routes to the west of the existing
alignment, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has continued with the existing
alignment despite the presence of heritage and religious structures
along it and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government considered the alternate route
through khazan lands instead of the present route as the same
could have saved the ancient heritage temples and if so, the details
thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) to (c). The alignment of NH-748 section in Goa including the
stretch passing through Ponda Taluka has been finalized
considering feasible alternatives including the Regional Plan
2021. The alignment has been designed in such a way so that no
damage is done to the religious and heritage structures present
along the alignment. further, based on outcome of Detailed Project
Report, land acquisition along the existing highway has been
optimised by providing elevated corridor in Bhoma village and the
project has been sanctioned on 31.03.2025.
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