The detailed survey and planning work on the proposed six-lane Goa expressway project is likely to begin by end-May 2006, it is learnt. Expressions of interest from proposed developers would also be invited in the near future.

The proposed six-lane expressway connecting north and south Goa will be built parallel to the Konkan Railway tracks, about 200m away, on the eastern side. The expressway would be 90m wide and 105 km long.

Route: The expressway would begin from Amerem village situated along the boundary of the Pernem taluka, and move through Khaznem, Amai, Nagzar, Dhargal, Tivim, Shirgaon, Mayem, Old Goa, Carambolim, Neura up to Cortalim.

It would further pass through Verna, Cansaulim, Margao, Navelim, Cuncolim, Balli and Barsem, right into Canacona taluka. In Canacona taluka, the expressway will pass through Mashem and Lolyem villages and connect with the existing national highway.

Three new bridges, one each at Colvale, Old Goa and Cortalim, will form part of the expressway.

The work for the project will commence with construction of a single-lane road, to be expanded subsequently. The project would come up on BOOT basis with private sector entrepreneurship.