(a) whether due to lack of coordination the different agencies of the State and Union
Government the ports connectivity in the major ports has been a problem in the country more
particularly in Mormugao major port in Goa; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to help address the problem faced thereof ?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K.VASAN)
(a): No, Madam, the road connectivity projects are progressing smoothly in almost every
Major Port except the 4 laning NH-17 B road connectivity project of Mormugao Port.
Unfortunately, this project is getting delayed due to the uncooperative attitude of the State
Government. Four laning of almost entire stretch of (18.3 Km) of NH- 17 B from Verna to Sada
junction, except the last stretch of 5.2 Km from Baina to Sada Junction, has been completed. 4
laning of the stretch from Baina to Sada Junction is held up because of inability of the State
Government to hand over vacant possession of the land to NHAI which is executing the project.
It is a fact that Mormugao Port has already paid the cost of rehabilitation of Project
Affected Persons. It is even ready to pay the escalated cost of rehabilitation of Rs.12 crores
on account of delay on the part of the State Government.
The matter was raised before the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay & Goa at Panaji, in which
the Hon’ble Court directed the State Government to hand over the entire stretch of land upto
Sada Junction to NHAI. Despite clear directions by the High Court, the state Government
continues to allow the unauthorized occupants on Govt. land, thereby obstructing the completion
of the road.
(b): In order to resolve the problem, various high level meetings are held. A meeting was
taken on 17th March, 2010 by Secretary (Shipping) with the officials of government of Goa and
Mormugao Port, in which Secretary (Shipping) requested the Chief Secretary, Government of Goa
to apprise the Government about the special package offered by the Port. An independent Agency
may be deployed to apprise the 78 occupants about the special package offered by the Port and
requirement of road for development of their area and economic growth of the state.