Panaji: Construction of the new Goa State Museum building at Ela, Old Goa, remains in limbo, with the detailed project report (DPR) yet to be approved by the Union ministry of culture. Officials said work is unlikely to begin until financial approvals and central assistance are secured, even as the project cost has risen by over Rs 10 crore.Initially estimated at Rs 22.3 crore, the revised DPR now pegs the cost at Rs 35.3 crore after incorporating changes suggested by the ministry. “While the revised estimate reflects the comprehensive scope of the project, it has not yet been formally sanctioned,” an official said.Under the Museum Grant Scheme, the ministry can provide up to Rs 8 crore, with the remaining cost to be borne by Goa govt. The state has earmarked Rs 10 crore and assured additional funding as the project progresses.A separate proposal has been submitted to the state finance department seeking Rs 51.3 lakh to cover commercial and infrastructure taxes payable to the town and country planning department.The new building is expected to be completed within three years from the start of construction.At present, Goa State Museum, housed at Adil Shah Palace in Panaji, has four galleries depicting Goan culture, expression through the ages, the Portuguese phase, and Goa’s freedom struggle. “The new building, however, will have a total of 11 galleries,” the official said.
