Five Goa rivers to be developed for inland waterways

PANAJI: Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari today said that inland waterways would be developed through five rivers in Goa.

"We have decided to develop 101 rivers for inland waterways, of which five are in Goa. We will take up the work in a phased manner," Gadkari told reporters here in the presence of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.

Gadkari said that in the first phase, two rivers -- Mandovi and Zuari -- will be taken up for development. Chapora, Mapusa and Sal rivers would be taken up later.

During his day-long visit, Gadkari launched four-laning work of national highway and a by-pass road work, among other things.

A second bridge on Zuari river would be constructed at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore, he said, adding that the work will start on December 19 (Goa liberation day) this year.