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The Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, informed that the funds allocated and expenditure incurred on projects sanctioned by his ministry for national highways in Goa, from the year 2019-20 to 2023-24, amounted to Rs 36.19 billion. In a written statement provided by Gadkari to Sadanand Tanawade, the Rajya Sabha member from Goa, the breakdown of the allocated funds and incurred expenditure for each year was as follows: Rs 9.77 billion in 2019-20, Rs 7.34 billion in 2020-21, Rs 6.15 billion in 2021-22, Rs 6.73 billion in 2022-23, and Rs 6.20 billion in 2023-24. Additionally, the information revealed that a total of 65 projects were sanctioned over the five-year period, with the highest number of projects, 22, approved in 2023-24, and the lowest, 8 projects, in 2020-21. These national highway projects span a total length of 199.91 km. Gadkari stated that the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways. He acknowledged that delays in the implementation of some sanctioned works occurred due to land acquisition issues, non-availability of road closure/diversion, utility shifting, and other pre-construction activities. However, these challenges have been resolved, and the projects are now being implemented according to revised targets. The minister emphasized that the completion of these national highway development projects would facilitate smoother inter-state and intra-state traffic flow, improve connectivity, promote tourism, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the state. He also noted that the projects would lead to reduced travel time and vehicle operating costs, while enhancing road safety. On December 1, Gadkari sanctioned an additional Rs 13.76 billion for the four-laning of a 22-kilometer stretch between Bendurdem (Quepem) and Polem (Canacona) on NH66.