Panaji: Aimed at revitalizing Vasco’s historic core, the town is set for an infrastructural overhaul with Rs 120 crore in central funding, as the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has secured approval for nine projects under the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Scheme for 2025-26.The projects, proposed under the integrated infrastructure development, cover road beautification, park redevelopment, streetscape upgrades, market modernisation, commercial complex reconstruction and improved public transport infrastructure across the Mormugao Municipal Council area.GSUDA officials said that the state is eligible for incentives of Rs 140 crore based on the proposals meeting the scheme guidelines.The single largest project is the beautification of Swatantra Path and FL Gomes Road, covering road networking, footpaths and illumination, at an estimated cost of Rs 29.5 crore. Close behind is the streetscape development between Vasco railway station and TB Cunha circle along the North-South spine road plaza, estimated at Rs 25 crore, a project that could significantly transform one of the city’s most heavily used corridors.The Vasco fruit market will be redeveloped into a food plaza and modern fruit market at Rs 10 crore, while the Kosambi building commercial complex will be reconstructed at the same cost. The existing municipal staff quarters building will be torn down and rebuilt as a commercial complex at Rs 12.5 crore. Municipal gardens across the city will be redeveloped at Rs 8.9 crore, as well as the children’s park at Rs 6.5 crore.Rounding out the package are upgrades to bus stops across the city at Rs 5.5 crore, as well as a signage and wayfinding system for the core city area at an identical Rs 5.5 crore.The scheme, designed by govt of India, focuses on revitalizing city cores and marketplaces of historical importance, promoting pedestrianisation, increasing public realm space and enabling adaptive reuse of unused govt assets.
