PANAJI (GOA) A move that could give major relief to hundreds of liquor outlets operational along the State Highways, the BJP government in Goa has proposed to denotify such highways passing through cities.

Government has introduced Goa Highways (amendment)Bill 2017 before the State Legislative Assembly to declare highways passing through municipal areas as urban roads.

The Bill if passed is expected to give relief to atlest 300-400 outlets operational in the cities.

Minister for Transport Ramakrishna Dhavalikar introduced the Bill, which will come up for discussion and passing on August 7.

The amendment empowers the State to declare State Highways lying within the limits of the City of Corporation of Panaji and the municipal councils upto the distance terminating to national highways as Urban roads.

Over 2800 liquor outlets had direct impact of the Supreme Court’ order banning sale of liquor within 500 meters of the highways.

Government is also working on filing a review peition before the Apex Court seeking relief for the State whose revenue is dependent on the liquor trade.
Team TNV