<Goa has agreed in principle to float global tenders inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from private parties to set-up a monorail system in the state, connecting Panaji, Margao and Mapusa. The 45-km monorail project is aimed at providing viable public transport for the state, which relies heavily on state transport. The state wants the project finished in 18 months. The state transport minister Pandurang Madkaikar told mediapersons that the government would not invest in the monorail project, but would promote it on a build operate and transfer (BOT) basis.>[Cip Fernandes]
This idea has to be examined closely. Presumably the monorail route will follow the present NH 17 route along which land has supposedly been acquired for conversion into an Expressway. This North-South Expressway is even touted as a "twin" project along with Mopa airport. So how many corridors are going to be involved in the same route? Whatever NH 17 is at present is going to be in a shambles soon! We in Panjim have had the experience of the shenanigans last year on DB Marg for IFFI 2004. And the road is even worse than it was before with umpteen bumps now! Heaven help us if this is going to be the fate of NH 17.