The Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,060.2 crore for four-laning of a seven-km stretch from Bhoma to Old Goa on NH-748. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari made the announcement, stating that the upgrade will complete the four-lane Panaji-Khandepar corridor.

This move is expected to enhance connectivity between Goa and the Southern states while tackling long-standing congestion issues. "This highway, formerly NH 4-A, spans 153 km from NH 48 near Belagavi in Karnataka to NH-66 near Panaji, Goa, serving as a vital link for passenger and freight traffic from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka to Goa," the Minister noted.

To address severe traffic congestion and limited right of way in Bhoma, Corlim, and Ella, the project includes two elevated corridors totaling 4.2 km and seven mtrs.-wide service roads on both sides. This sanctioned section bridges a missing link between already four-laned segments from Khandepar to Ponda and Ribandar bypass. It is a vital part of the interstate transport corridor and is also expected to improve access to Dabolim airport and Mormugao port via NH-566 and NH-66.