Page 46 - Construction_Opportunities_July_2026

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INFRASTRUCTURE The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Goa Water bordered by defence land. The revised design is expected to
GOA WATER METRO PLAN ADVANCES: 9 ROUTES
SELECTED FOR INITIAL PHASE, DPR PROCESS UNDERWAY.
reduce construction costs while ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow
across the two major congestion points.
Apart from the flyovers, the project includes the widening and
Metro project will be completed within the next four months,
reconstruction of the entire 4.6-km corridor with cement concrete
River Navigation Department (RND) Minister Subhash Phal Dessai
announced.
pavement. The road will be upgraded to a four-lane carriageway
with cement concrete service roads on both sides. At present, the
The Goa Government is aiming to secure 100% central funding
for the ambitious water transport initiative. The announcement
along with footpaths.
was made during a briefing attended by Loknath Behera, former
IPS officer and Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL). corridor has a seven-metre-wide carriageway in each direction
The Katol Road corridor has witnessed rapid urbanisation over
KMRL has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the the past decade and carries heavy traffic from residential
DPR for the Goa Water Metro project. The report will outline the neighbourhoods, educational institutions and vehicles travelling
project’s complete roadmap, including route planning, estimated towards Katol, Chhindwara and surrounding areas. Gittikhadan
costs, long-term implementation strategy, tourism opportunities Square and the New Katol Naka junction are among Nagpur’s
and its expected impact on traffic management. busiest intersections, with motorists frequently encountering long
The first phase of the project will focus on nine river connectivity delays during peak hours.
routes. Locations identified in the feasibility study include Panaji, Once completed, the twin flyovers are expected to ease
Betim, Divar, Chodan, Vanshi, Sarmanas, Narve, Aldona, Cortalim, congestion, improve road safety, reduce travel time and ensure
Madkai, Adpai and Durbhat. smoother traffic movement along one of Nagpur’s busiest highway
Speaking at the press briefing, Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said, corridors. The project is currently estimated to cost around `250
“We have selected nine routes in Goa, and the DPR will be placed crore, although the final cost may be revised before receiving
before the government within the next four months. Looking at government approval.
the steady work carried out by the State, the Centre has given
Goa priority and included it in the first phase. The River Navigation RAILWAYS TO BUILD SKYWALKS FOR SEAMLESS METRO
Department is fully committed to ensuring the timely execution ACCESS AT ERNAKULAM STATIONS.
of the project.” Train passengers in Ernakulam are set to benefit from improved
Loknath Behera said the Water Metro would provide Goa with an multimodal connectivity, with the Railways moving ahead with
alternative transport option and help reduce pressure on existing plans to construct elevated skywalks linking three major railway
road networks. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion, stations with nearby Kochi Metro stations.
improve connectivity, promote tourism and generate employment The proposed skywalks will come up at Tripunithura, Ernakulam
opportunities in coastal and riverine regions. Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North), providing direct and
The Goa Water Metro is envisioned as a sustainable transport seamless access between railway platforms and Metro stations.
solution that will connect riverine communities while supporting Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Nithin Norbert said
the state’s tourism and mobility needs. the project has been shortlisted for approval by the Railway Board.
“We are preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to be submitted
NAGPUR’S `250-CRORE TWIN FLYOVER PLAN ON KATOL to the board,” he said.
ROAD MOVES CLOSER TO APPROVAL. The demand for skywalk connectivity at Ernakulam Junction
The proposed `250-crore twin-flyover project on Nagpur–Katol and Ernakulam Town stations was raised during the Divisional
Road has moved a step closer to execution, nearly three years Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held
after it was announced, with the detailed project report (DPR) in Thiruvananthapuram on July 23. Railway officials assured
entering its final stage. Senior officials said the National Highways passenger representatives that the facilities would be developed
Division of the state Public Works Department (PWD) will soon as part of the ongoing station redevelopment works.
submit the DPR to the state government for approval, after which Paul K.J. Manvettom, president of the All Kerala Railway Users
the project will proceed to the tendering stage. Association, said the proposed infrastructure would provide a
The revised plan replaces the earlier proposal for a continuous safer and more convenient pathway for passengers switching
flyover with two elevated corridors along NH-353J between Old between train and Metro services, particularly benefiting senior
Katol Naka Square and the New Katol Naka area. The two flyovers citizens, families and those carrying heavy luggage.
will have a combined length of 2.25 km. The Railways is also planning to construct a covered walkway
According to PWD officials, the project has been designed within connecting the ticket counter to the main entrance of Ernakulam
the existing right of way, eliminating the need for land acquisition. South railway station to protect daily commuters from heavy rain
The first flyover, measuring about 1.325 km, will begin near the and extreme heat, he added.
Police Headquarters, pass over the congested Gittikhadan Square During the meeting, passenger representatives also urged the
and end near KT Nagar. The second, approximately 925 metres Railways to expedite the extension of all six platforms at Ernakulam
long, will start before the Ring Road junction, cross the busy Junction. Currently, except Platform 1, the remaining platforms
intersection and terminate near the New Katol Naka toll plaza. cannot accommodate 24-coach trains, resulting in some
Officials said the section between the two flyovers will remain at long-distance trains halting at outer signals and contributing to
ground level as it has limited roadside development and is largely operational delays.

46 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|JULY 2026