Goa Govt to soon finalise consultant for sea link

The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Tuesday said that the government will shortly take a decision on appointing a consultant to study all aspects of the proposed Panaji-Dona Paula sea link project. He said that bids were invited from interested parties and that the government has shortlisted a few names. Justifying the reason to appoint a consultant in this project, he said that when the government decided about the project it had no idea on how to go about it as it had no data on the same.

Mr Kamat was speaking at the valedictory function of a symposium on the proposed sea link, organised by the Goa bench of the Indian Concrete Institute at Dona Paula on Tuesday evening. He said the consultant will study all aspects of the proposed sea link including the economic feasibility, environmental impact etc. He also said that the government will have to decide on whether to follow the public-private partnership mode or seek funds from the Planning Commission.

The Chief Minister informed that the sea link project has got support from the Centre and that the Union Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has assured all help to the project and also added that the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia has also offered the services of technical advisor of the Planning Commission. He further said that the Centre has asked the state to try and join the sea link to the national highway to make it beneficial for the industry.

Mr Kamat said every state in the country is looking to concentrate on developing infrastructure. He said there is tremendous stress on the existing infrastructure in the state keeping in view the floating population of tourists that visit the state. He also informed that the Planning Commission has suggested that the state concentrate on creating infrastructure and also on making Goa an educational hub. The Chief Minister reassured the people that they have nothing to worry as the government is not in a hurry on the proposed sea link project and that the government will go ahead only if the project is economically viable. With regard to the Zuari bridge, Mr Kamat said at present a model for a new bridge has been prepared by the National Highways Authority of India.

Earlier, the joint secretary, finance, Mr Anupam Kishore speaking at the symposium said if the state has good infrastructure there will be good investment flow in the state. He said that the proposed sea link will connect Panaji to the harbour, railway station and the airport, however, economic viability of the project has to be studied. He further said the sea link would boost tourism and also lead to industrial development in the state.

After the creation of a data base following appointment of consultant, the government will go to the people with regard to the sea link project, said Mr Kishore adding that as of now the project is just a proposal on paper. He said that the project has created immense interest among the international community with seven global companies sending their bids. He said that parties from Spain, Germany and even Singapore have shown interest in this project.