Rooftop restaurant project atop Margao’s multi-level parking plan taken off menu

Margao: In yet another twist to Margao’s decade-long parking saga, the ambitious vision of a rooftop restaurant atop the proposed multi-level car park quietly disappeared from the agenda as Margao Municipal Council (MMC) pivoted to a hydraulic parking system. This shift marks the latest chapter in what has become a testament to poor urban planning and project execution in the commercial hub of South Goa.

The restaurant proposal, which emerged mysteriously and was defended by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat as a potential revenue generator, earlier caused considerable confusion among councillors. Notably MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar and other councillors denied any knowledge of such plans, highlighting the disconnect between various stakeholders in the project.

The latest development comes after both MMC and the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) repeatedly failed to attract contractors for the conventional RCC structure, despite multiple tender attempts. The project, which was in limbo since 2011 when it received initial funding of Rs 3 crore, saw its estimated cost balloon from Rs 5.5 crore to Rs 6.5 crore, while the allocated funds gathered dust in bank accounts.

Critics, including convener of the Shadow Council for Margao, Savio Coutinho, earlier pointed out the inherent contradiction in placing a restaurant in a parking facility meant to ease congestion. “The restaurant would have only attracted more vehicles, defeating the very purpose of the parking facility,” Coutinho said.

Nevertheless, even as the council prepares to present the new proposal at its next meeting, stakeholders have raised questions over the capability of the council to ensure the sustainability of the project. They pointed out that the hydraulic car park project would require an uninterrupted power supply for its smooth operations, as well as periodic maintenance of the mechanical parts. “If the MMC fails in either of these prime requirements, the project will turn into a white elephant, further burdening the exchequer,” Coutinho said.

The project's troubled history, marked by unused funds, accumulating interest, and multiple failed attempts at implementation, continues to highlight the challenges facing urban infrastructure development in Margao.


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