The city of Panaji is about to embark on a transformative journey towards a more sustainable future with the launch of an extensive Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station network. In collaboration with Reliance BP Mobility Ltd. (Mumbai), Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has announced the upcoming launch of several EV charging stations across key locations in and around Panaji. This initiative, proposed by the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA), aims to establish EV charging infrastructure across 40 strategically selected locations. IPSCDL has already established the first set of charging stations along Panaji’s smart roads which has started operating . This project named “Installation of EV Charging Station in Panaji”, represents a significant step towards promoting green mobility in Goa, aligning with both the state’s and the nation’s goals for sustainable transportation solutions. With this infrastructure, Panaji residents and visitors alike can now access convenient and efficient EV charging services, paving the way for an increased adoption of electric vehicles.
Initial Set-Up Locations IPSCDL has already completed the initial infrastructure set-up of 3 charging stations .
CHARGING STATIONS IN OPERATION Sr. No Location Charger Type Load Charging Guns 1 Near Madhuban Circle , St.Inez 2-Wheeler Slow Charger 9.9 kW 3 2 Near Caculo Mall , St.Inez 2-Wheeler Slow Charger 9.9 kW 3 3 Near Carpenters Choice , St.inez 2-Wheeler Slow Charger 9.9 kW 3
In addition to these operational sites, several other charging points are in developed and expected to be operational soon at key Panaji locations including: CHARGING STATIONS TO BE COMMISIONED BY 15th February , 2025 Sr. No Location Charger Type Load Charging Guns 1 Miramar Smart Parking near Miramar Beach 4-Wheeler Fast Charger 120 kW 4 2 Opp. Mandovi Hotel , Panaji 4-Wheeler Fast Charger 60 kW 2 3 Near Passport Office , 4-Wheeler Fast Charger 60 kW 2 4 Opp. Bal Bhavan, Campal-Panaji 4-Wheeler Fast Charger 60 kW 2 5 Near Vishal Megamart, Panaji 2-Wheeler Slow Charger 9.9 kW 3 6 Near Neptune Hotel , Panaji 2-Wheeler Slow Charger 9.9 kW 3 7 Near Alfran Plaza , Panaji 2-Wheeler Slow Charger 9.9 kW 3 8 Near Central Library , Patto panaji 2-Wheeler Slow Charger 9.9 kW 3
The EV charging infrastructure in Panaji is rapidly expanding, with 11 charging stations planned across the city. This includes 21 charging guns for 2-wheelers and 10 charging guns for 4-wheelers, supporting both slow and fast charging needs. Currently, 3 stations with 9 charging guns for 2-wheelers are operational, with 8 more stations to be commissioned by 15th February, 2025.
Accessibility & Benefits All charging stations will be accessible through the Jio BP Pulse app, available on both the App Store and Google Play. Users simply create a profile, add vehicle details and top up an amount for seamless access to these charge points. This app also provides access to a vast network of over 5,000 Jio BP Pulse charging points across India, ensuring EV drivers can travel with peace of mind.
“With the Panaji EV Charging Project, we are proud to introduce green and sustainable infrastructure that aligns with Goa’s environmental goals and contributes to reducing pollution. By strategically locating EV charging stations across Panaji, we ensure convenience and accessibility for residents and visitors alike. This initiative not only encourages greater adoption of electric vehicles but also positions Panaji as a forward-thinking, eco-friendly tourism destination, driving economic growth and sustainability for the future. The aim is to increase per capita EV charging points in the city to match the best,” said Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues, CEO & MD, IPSCDL.
The Amrit Udyan of Rashtrapati Bhavan, formerly known as the Mughal Gardens, is set to welcome visitors from February 2 to March 30. This stunning garden, a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage, will be open to the public for nearly two months, offering a unique opportunity to experience its beauty and tranquility.
A Cultural Extravaganza: VividhtaKaAmritMahotsav
As part of the Amrit Udyan festivities, Rashtrapati Bhavan will also host a 4-day cultural extravaganza called #VividhtaKaAmritMahotsav, starting from March 6. This vibrant celebration will showcase the unique traditions and rich cultural heritage of Southern India, featuring a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and activities.
Experience the Beauty of Amrit Udyan
The Amrit Udyan is a masterpiece of garden design, with its meticulously manicured lawns, stunning floral arrangements, and serene water features. Visitors can explore the garden’s various sections, including the Herbal Garden, the Bonsai Park, and the Musical Garden. The garden’s beauty is further enhanced by its intricate stone carvings, ornate fountains, and picturesque walking trails.
Plan Your Visit
To plan your visit to the Amrit Udyan, you can book your slots online through the Rashtrapati Bhavan website. Visitors can choose from various time slots, and tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key Details
Amrit Udyan opening dates: February 2 to March 30
VividhtaKaAmritMahotsav dates: March 6 to March 9
Online booking: Available through the Rashtrapati Bhavan website
Time slots: Various time slots available
Tickets: Issued on a first-come, first-served basis
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the beauty and cultural richness of the Amrit Udyan. Book your tickets now and get ready to be mesmerized by this stunning garden!
In a significant development, PNC Infratech has received in-principle approvals from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for two more assets, namely Bundelkhand and Khajuraho Highway projects. This brings the total number of approved assets to 10, with the remaining two expected to receive approvals by January end.
The approvals are a crucial milestone in the ₹9,005.7 crore deal between PNC Infratech and KKR-backed Highways Infrastructure Trust (HIT). The transaction involves the divestment of 12 road assets, comprising 11 National Highway (NH) Hybrid Annuity mode (HAM) assets and 1 State Highway BOT Toll asset.
With the approvals in place, PNC Infratech is now in the process of fulfilling the conditions precedent (CPs) for the transaction. The company has already obtained no-objection certificates (NOCs) from almost all the lenders.
The deal is expected to be closed by March 31, 2025, with the divestment of 10 assets comprising around 85% of the total deal value. The remaining two assets are expected to be completed by H1FY26.
The transaction is aligned with PNC Infratech’s strategic objective of recycling capital invested in operating road assets to leverage the government’s ambitious growth vision for the sector.
Panaji, January 15, 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Goa, organized a comprehensive day-long conclave for tourism stakeholders. Chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Rohan Khaunte, and Director of Tourism, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, the event aimed to counter misinformation about tourist footfall figures and reaffirm Goa’s position as a premier tourism destination.
The conclave brought together key stakeholders from diverse sectors, including cruise tourism, airport operations, charter flights, beach tourism, transport, and accommodation. Members of the Goa Tourism Board including Mark Mendes, Ernest Dias, Carlos de Sousa; TTAG President Jack Sukhija, and other industry representatives discussed strategies to enhance Goa’s tourism experience and ensure sustainable growth.
Addressing the media after the stakeholders conclave, Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism stated that the state saw a notable 21% growth which promises a very positive and promising trend of tourism in Goa, with a substantial 54% increase in tourists visiting in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. The quarterly growth from October to December stood at 38%. While domestic tourist numbers increased by 22%, foreign tourist numbers grew by 3%.” These provisional figures show that there is strong growth in terms of numbers.
Director Suneel Anchipaka IAS further said that the data has been compiled from credible sources, including airport arrivals, Konkan Railways, and the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) and other transport operators. These statistics unequivocally indicate a robust growth in Goa’s tourism sector, reaffirming its position as a preferred destination.
The director further stated that Dabolim Airport saw a significant surge in passenger traffic, with a remarkable 27% growth in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. He said that the government is focusing on quality over quantity and that the hotel occupancy remained highest this season which shows that high-end tourists are preferring Goa.
Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte stated “In the year 2023, Goa received 81,75,460 domestic tourists and 4,52,702 international tourists, totalling 86,28,162 visitors. Whereas in the year 2024, provisional figures show that Goa welcomed 99,41,285 domestic tourists and around 4,67,911 international tourists, bringing the total to 1,04,09,196 visitors.”
The Minister highlighted that during the last week of December 2024, Goa saw a record 200 flights arriving daily. Despite the broader Asia tourism sector facing a -18% growth rate post-COVID-19, Goa’s 3% growth in foreign tourist arrivals signifies the state’s resilience and adaptability.
The Tourism Minister also addressed the recent criticism from social media influencers, attributing it to unverified data released by the China Economic Information Centre. He expressed that Goa is performing much better than the national average; has got a great resilience in adaptability in the competitive tourism landscape and as a year to year-round destination we are also looking at increasing off season business.
The Minister acknowledged challenges such as overtourism, particularly at popular beaches like Baga and Calangute, which have faced overcrowding, waste management issues, and occasional conflicts between locals and tourists. These challenges, along with the impact of budget tourism, require a focused and proactive approach to maintain Goa’s infrastructure and reputation.
To enhance the overall tourist experience, the government is adopting technology across various services. Platforms such as Goa Miles and the Goa Taxi app are integral to improving transport services. The Minister assured that concerns related to taxi operations are being actively addressed through technology-driven solutions. Additionally, efforts are being made to educate visitors about Goa’s cultural values, traditions, and boundaries, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation among tourists.
Responding to concerns about a perceived decline in tourism, the Minister emphasized that several hotels achieved near 100% occupancy this year, accompanied by impressive Average Room Rates (AAR). He further noted that, under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, the number of registered hotels in the state has increased from approximately 3,000 in 2022 to nearly 9,000 in 2024 across various categories, ensuring visitors have a broader range of accommodation options, including homestays.
The minister further stated that issues raised during the stakeholder meeting will be taken up at the upcoming Goa Tourism Board meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant. An actionable plan will be formulated in collaboration with the Chief Secretary and other officials and presented to the Chief Minister for implementation.
“We strongly believe in the ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava, where every guest is treated with utmost respect and hospitality. Our commitment is to uphold this principle while ensuring Goa remains a premier destination that offers unique experiences, vibrant culture, and world-class services,” the Minister concluded.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he thanked the labourers who have worked hard and also put their lives at stake for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and India. Shri Modi remarked “Despite the challenges, our resolve did not waver”. He lauded the labourers for their resolve and commitment and for tackling all the obstacles to complete the work. He also condoled the demise of 7 labourers.
Hailing the beautiful snow-covered mountains and the delightful weather, Shri Modi said that his eagerness to visit Jammu & Kashmir increased after seeing the recent pictures shared by the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir on social media. The Prime Minister reminisced about his earlier days when he frequently visited the region while working for his party. He mentioned spending considerable time in areas like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Ganderbal, and Baramulla, often walking for hours and covering several kilometers. He added that despite the heavy snowfall, the warmth of the people of Jammu and Kashmir made the cold unnoticeable.
Acknowledging that today was a special day, the Prime Minister remarked that there was a festive atmosphere across the country. He remarked on the commencement of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, where millions are gathering for the holy bath. The Prime Minister also mentioned the celebration of Lohri in Punjab and other parts of North India, as well as festivals like Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal. He extended his best wishes to everyone celebrating these festivals. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenging 40-day period of Chillaikalan in the valley and praised the resilience of the people. He highlighted that this season brings new opportunities for tourist destinations like Sonamarg, attracting visitors from across the country who enjoy the hospitality of the people of Kashmir.
Prime Minister announced a significant gift for the people, highlighting the recent foundation stone laying of the Jammu Rail Division. He remarked that this was a long-standing demand of the people. Announcing the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel and fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Shri Modi highlighted that this tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh. The Prime Minister remarked that the tunnel will reduce the difficulties faced during avalanches, heavy snowfall and landslides, which often led to road closures. He emphasized that the tunnel will improve access to major hospitals and ensure the availability of essential supplies, thereby reducing the challenges faced by the residents.
The Prime Minister noted that the actual construction of the Sonamarg Tunnel began in 2015 after their Government came into power. He was pleased that the tunnel’s construction was completed under their administration. He remarked that the tunnel will maintain connectivity to Sonamarg during the winter season and boost tourism in the entire region. He emphasized that numerous road and rail connectivity projects are set to be completed in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. The Prime Minister mentioned another major connectivity project underway nearby and noted the excitement surrounding the upcoming rail connection to the Kashmir Valley. He highlighted the development of new roads, railways, hospitals, and colleges as part of the new Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to everyone for the tunnel and the new era of development.
Highlighting India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing that no region or family should be left behind, Shri Modi remarked that the government is working with the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and over the past 10 years, more than 4 crore poor families across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, have received permanent houses. He announced that an additional 3 crore new houses will be provided to the poor in the coming years. The Prime Minister noted that millions of people in India are receiving free medical treatment, benefiting the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well. He highlighted the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, medical colleges, nursing colleges, and polytechnic colleges across the country to support the education of the youth. In Jammu and Kashmir, he added that several top-notch educational institutes were established in the past decade, greatly benefiting the local youth.
Emphasising the extensive infrastructure development from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister remarked that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, high bridges, and ropeways, with some of the world’s highest tunnels and highest rail-road bridges being constructed here. The Prime Minister noted the engineering marvel of the Chenab Bridge, where a passenger train trial was recently completed. He mentioned several key projects, including the cable bridge enhancing Kashmir’s railway connectivity, the Zojila, Chenani Nashri, and Sonamarg tunnel projects, and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. The Prime Minister also mentioned the schemes for the Shankaracharya Temple, Shivkhori, and Baltal-Amarnath ropeways, as well as the Katra-Delhi expressway. He emphasized that over ₹42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, including four national highway projects and two ring roads. The Prime Minister remarked that more than 14 tunnels like Sonamarg are being constructed, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the country.
Underlining the significant contribution of the tourism sector to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, the Prime Minister remarked that improved connectivity will allow tourists to reach previously untouched and unexplored areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted the peace and progress achieved in the region over the past decade, which has already benefited the tourism sector. “In 2024, more than 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, with Sonamarg seeing a sixfold increase in tourists over the past ten years”, noted Shri Modi. He emphasized that this growth has benefited local businesses, including hotels, homestays, dhabas, clothing shops, and taxi services.
“Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development”, said Shri Modi. He remarked that the region is regaining its identity as “Paradise on Earth,” leaving behind the difficult days of the past. The Prime Minister noted that people now enjoy ice cream at Lal Chowk even at night, and the area remains lively. He praised the local artists for transforming Polo View Market into a new habitat center, with musicians, artists, and singers frequently performing there. The Prime Minister observed that people in Srinagar now comfortably watch movies with their families in cinema halls and shop with ease. He emphasized that such significant changes cannot be achieved by the government alone and credited the people of Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening democracy and securing their future.
Highlighting the bright future for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasizing the numerous opportunities in sports, the Prime Minister remarked about the first international marathon held in Srinagar a few months ago, which brought immense joy to those who witnessed it. He also recalled the viral video of the Chief Minister participating in the marathon and their enthusiastic discussion about it during a meeting in Delhi.
Acknowledging that it was truly the new era of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Modi mentioned the recent international cricket league held in the region after forty years and car racing scenes around the beautiful Dal Lake. He said that Gulmarg was becoming the winter games capital of India, having hosted four Khelo India Winter Games, with the fifth edition starting next month. Over the past two years, the Prime Minister noted that 2,500 athletes from across the country have participated in various sports tournaments in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the establishment of over 90 Khelo India Centers in the region, providing training to 4,500 local youth.
Touching upon the new opportunities emerging for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister remarked that the construction of AIIMS in Jammu and Avantipora was progressing rapidly, reducing the need to travel to other parts of the country for medical treatment. The Prime Minister noted that IIT, IIM, and Central University campuses in Jammu were providing excellent education. He emphasized the role of local artisans and craftsmen, supported by the PM Vishwakarma scheme and other initiatives by the Jammu and Kashmir government. The Prime Minister highlighted the continuous efforts to attract new industries to the region, with investments of around ₹13,000 crore, creating thousands of jobs for the youth. The Prime Minister also lauded the improved performance of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, with its business growing from ₹1.6 lakh crore to ₹2.3 lakh crore in the past four years. He remarked that the bank’s increased capacity to provide loans benefits the youth, farmers, orchardists, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs in the region.
Remarking on the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir’s past into a present of development, Shri Modi said that the dream of a developed India will be realized when its crown, Kashmir, is adorned with the jewels of progress. He expressed his desire for Kashmir to become even more beautiful and prosperous. He noted the continuous support from the youth, elders, and children of the region in this endeavor. The Prime Minister emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are working diligently to turn their dreams into reality, contributing to the progress of the region and the nation. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister assured the people that he will support them unflinchingly in all their endeavours and extended his heartfelt congratulations to every family in Jammu and Kashmir for the development projects.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Ministers of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Shri Ajay Tamta were present among other dignitaries at the event.
