For 25 years, Verna Industries Association has been working for the betterment of the largest industrial estate in Goa, and continues to contribute to the welfare of the people and the State.
Verna Industries Association was established in 1996, as a few stakeholders wished to create a platform to interact with the various government agencies to bring about an improvement in the operations of the Verna Industrial Estate. There were very little or no facilities at the estate at that time, hence it was the need of the hour.
Nitin Kunkolienkar, the then General Manager of D-Link, took the lead and decided to establish an association that would put forth grievances of industries, collectively, to people who were in a position of power and who could bring about a change, in the smooth functioning of Verna Industrial Estate.
Along with a few industry players, including Amol Prabhu from Titan, Anish Bhadouria from Coultards Packaging, Sanjay and Rajiv Sarda of Sparrow, Asit Aggarwal, to name a few, the Association was born and the first meeting was held on 12 July 1996 in Nitin’s cabin. At that time, the association comprised of twelve members and today it has continued expanding adding more members, thus making it the dynamic body that it is today.
Being one of the first trade associations in the country to have a website to communicate with its members, it was new at that time, today the Association uses messaging apps.
VIA has been consistent in demanding their rights for the betterment of the industry and works cohesively for a common cause.
The Association has dealt with various ministries in Goa and some even at Central level, this includes Chief Ministers, various Union Ministers, Government officials and other dignitaries, over the years.
From the beginning, given that Verna had a lot of multinational corporations as members, the thought process was always on how to improve infrastructure and get better facilities for which the benchmarks were high, be it national or global.
Verna Industrial Estate is the biggest industrial estate in Goa till date and it has the potential of doing better things in a better way. Key industry players wanted to make a difference right from day one and so the journey began and continues.
Decisions taken by VIA do not have a personal agenda, which is the hallmark of the Association. VIA is for everybody in the industrial estate. Given the fact that till date there is no secretariat, it means that the office bearers have to necessarily interact and get things done personally.
Dial Goa
VIA was instrumental in getting advanced telecom technology for the whole of Goa and was responsible for having a single dial code for the State. This happened when the Central Telecom Minister, Jagmohan (who had also earlier served as Governor of Goa) visited the D-Link unit at Verna IE. Jagmohan was appraised of the situation and thanks to quick action from the Telecom Department, not only Verna, but also Goa benefited.
VIA structured everything in a strategic way and was contributing a lot more, by way of revenue to the Telecom Department than any industrial estate. Till date VIA has the best of telecom exchange in the State.
Power Struggle
When it came to electricity, the villages around the industrial estate were always having a problem. All sub-stations were located at different places. When VIA came into being, a special sub-station was given only for Verna. However, slowly the Department began using the same to supply power to Vasco, Majorda, Fatorda and other areas around. The supply from Ponda and Xeldem was through the old line and because the industrial load increased, along with additional load from other surrounding areas, new conductors were required.
VIA struggled for a good two and half years to get the conductors changed. Old conductors were replaced by Casablanca conductors, thereby increasing the power drawing capacity of Verna sub-station by almost 3 times. This in turn helped improve power supply to Mormugao taluka, and villages like Majorda and Fatorda, along with Verna Industrial Estate.
Two 40 MVA stations were set up at the request of VIA which fed the entire village of Verna, most of Salcette and the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, as well.
Water Woes
There were plenty of disputes regarding water with villages around the Estate. Water was being supplied everywhere by tankers. Pumping water from borewells was not a good idea, given that wells and the water table was falling due to excessive pumping of water.
In 2012, VIA approached then Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar who assured them of supply of raw water from Selaulim. The Government used the old line from Orlim to Verna and installed a 30 MLD tank. All this happened by the end of 2013. The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) then took their own time in installing an internal line. In 2018, they managed to get a water connection but the rate was high, as the Water Resources Department (WRD) wanted a higher price. VIA had to convince industries that using borewell water was harming the environment and requested them to use raw water on one hand and on the other, they had to push WRD for a rate reduction to make using raw water viable.
The WRD did not see the merit for a long time and continued to charge a high rate, which the Association managed to bring down in the interest of the environment. Finally, the efforts bore fruit and now, raw water is utilised for gardening or after treatment in house as companies already had their own treatment plants. After this, the water table in Verna and surrounding areas has shown quite a bit of improvement and pressure on treated water has been reduced.
Verna: The Star Industrial Estate
Verna Industrial Estate has over 20000 employees working in various industries all over the Estate. VIA has been constantly trying to improve the accessibility of the Estate to nearby villages and towns so that people can stay in their homes and work and do not have to relocate. At the entrance of the Estate, VIA has a KTC booking counter and a dedicated bus service in operation from 2019.
The Association keeps a watch on all works tendered by GIDC and for payment to happen, VIA has to issue a completion certificate as per the rules of GIDC. This job is taken very seriously. Companies and industries that create issues are pulled up by VIA, which is something that is appreciated by all stakeholders.
Political bodies or rallies have not made any inroads in this Estate thanks to VIA. No politician comes to the estate for any sort of political campaigning donations or holding rallies. This is partially because all funds marked for CSR are poured into projects aimed to benefit local schools in and around the Estate.
There were issues pertaining to customs and excise, sales tax, labour unions etc which are dealt with by VIA. They followed up on the building of a dry port in Verna with CWC set up, CFS for import and export of cargo, which was an exception even though there is a port located barely 20 kms away.
Focus on Education
Within a year of being established, VIA decided to conduct a CSR exercise and chose a few schools to work with. St Joseph Convent High School, Nagoa; Marina English High School, Verna; Our Lady of Perpetual Succor Higher Secondary School, Cortalim; St Joseph High School, Sancoale; Our Lady of Succor High School, Nagoa; Shantadurga High School, Sancoale; Shree Mahalsa Narayani Primary School, were some of the educational institutions that VIA has been working with over the years.
The Association hoped to improve the school infrastructure, set up computer laboratories, and provide these schools with proper facilities. One of their key services was having a teacher-training course in association with Nirmala Institute of Education. The advantage of this CSR program was that the financial aid was handed directly to schools to improve their facilities.
Vocal for Local
In the case of Union issues, the Association insisted that the rule of law be followed and ensured that there was no violence or other disruption that would mar production at the Estate. This has guaranteed that the Verna Industrial Estate has seen a very peaceful working environment.
VIA was ‘Vocal for Local’ much before the phrase began trending. The Association did not compromise when it came to customs, sales tax or other Government obligations. They studied matters at hand before putting across their grievances to the Government. VIA believes in results, in actions and in a strong commitment to the development and sustenance of the industries within its enclave and across Goa.
Leadership Pool
VIA has been known for producing leaders who went on to excel in different fields. It has seen members of the Association go on to head industry organisations like Goa Chamber Of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Confederation of Indian Industry-Goa Council (CII), Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM), and national-level industry bodies like Manufacturers Association for Information Technology (MAIT). The leadership team at VIA possess the ability to trust people to get the job done, work together as a team for a joint cause, while focusing on the requirements of the industries. This has helped them take up leadership positions both, at the State and national level.
Every leader who has graduated from VIA has shown fearlessness, transparency and has been bold enough to get into uncharted territory. VIA is constantly on the lookout for people who can assume leadership roles and can shine at different levels in industry bodies.
VIA did not have a physical office until recent times. The first meeting of the Association was held at D-Link and the second at Titan. Later meetings continued to be held at D-Link until the Association managed to get an office for themselves. VIA did not wait for any special premises or formal structure to come up and went on with their commitment to work.
At VIA, they just needed an intent and will to make this organisation a success. VIA has proved that everything can be achieved if one just has the will to do it. It is an integrated corporate social responsibility that they have provided to everyone who falls under the umbrella of this Association. It was only in 2020 that VIA got its own office in the GIDC Administrative Building.
The Covid Challenge
The game changer for VIA came during covid. VIA had some members from their leadership team (Blaise Costabir, Damodar Kochkar and Pradip da Costa) who went out of their way to help the Government, District Collectorate, district hospitals and stranded labourers. Everyone’s needs were looked after, be it in terms of raising funds for the government and providing essentials to the workers. RT-PCR testing facility for quick results, along with a 130-bed step-up covid care centre and later a vaccination centre was set up by VIA.
VIA has now tied up with Schneider Electric for the step-up Covid care centre; which houses 45 beds along with oxygen concentrators, ready for use.
VIA spent their funds judiciously during the covid crisis. The system was thrown off track completely. People from the industry responded overnight and contributed. With the request and coordination of the VIA, the industries from Verna raised around Rs 6.5 crores and donated it to the government.
District hospitals and the Collectorate would call VIA members regularly requesting for help with basic facilities, like fans, water (around 40,000 litres), linen, groceries; some of which was packed by the members of the Association themselves.
VIA modestly says that it was more of a humanitarian approach rather than lobbying together for profits.
VIA has also helped set up the neo-natal NICU at the South Goa District Hospital as a preparatory measure for the dreaded third wave.
VIA also pulled up units that were not doing their bit when it came to looking after their workers, by pushing member industries to get involved in the process.
VIA jointly with GSIA designed covid SOPs for the industry which ensured that it was first in India to reopen during the first national lockdown of 2020. VIA along with GSIA also worked very closely with the Government to bring in stranded workforce from across the border without much glitch, so that industry did not struggle much for want of labour.”
In the Service of People
Post covid, a plea for help came from Quelossim village, where they did not have water supply.
One of the companies, Colorcon, took up the entire project and installed tanks on top of the slope of this village wherein water could be pumped up, solving the woes of the villagers.
VIA has also done social work to add to its portfolio of achievements. They provided Chikitsa Hospital with an ambulance, provided senior citizens around Verna with a sum of `1200 per month by coordinating with the Village Panchayat.
The traffic signals at various junctions around Verna Industrial Estate were paid for and are maintained by VIA to avoid accidents.
Goa’s first four-lane road, from Keserval to the Estate was done up in 1996 by VIA again, through funds from the IDC.
The first survey of Goa was done at the insistence of VIA. Former Chief Ministers Luizinho Faleiro, Pratapsingh Rane and Manohar Parrikar, former local MLA and former Power Minister Alex Sequeira, are some of the politicians who are credited with supporting VIA in their endeavours.
Looking at the Future
VIA has plenty of plans in the pipeline. Improving the condition of internal roads, scrapping of the IDC, putting up street-lights, solving the problem of transportation especially when it comes to connectivity between different cities. All this as the organisation marches on to bat for the industry.
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“Covid has changed the way we work and live”
“When I took over as President, it was at the peak of the first lockdown. Everything was uncertain with the paranoia and fear-factor. The biggest issue was the migrants getting affected with regards to food and their stay. Thanks to a lot of support from Damodar who initiated this, and Blaise, the three of us worked on the ground when it came to arranging food and essentials for the migrant workers. We got a lot of support from all industries who went out of their way to help us. The next issue was restarting of the industry. We all worked together very closely, which is not favourable during covid, but we gave an assurance to the collector that full covid protocols will be followed and Goa became the first State to restart industry while the lockdown was still on at the national level. This was the first part of it. The next part came to handling the system, which was totally strained, what with having to make sure our workers underwent regular tests. Thanks to Tulip Diagnostics who gave us a testing machine and we set up our own test centre, which was supported by the Government. We were able to give test results within 24 hours. This helped us to identify and isolate patients. It also ensured that containment happened much faster. We also set up our first Covid care centre, with 130 beds in Verna itself, for industries all over Goa, specially the marginalized ones. Everything was free and we did not charge anyone for any of the facilities provided. All this helped us get back on our feet and we supported the Government when they were in dire straits.” Pradip da Costa, President, VIA (Assumed charge May 2020)
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“Always focussed on industry interest”
“I am not in conflict with the Government. I only look at the interest of the industry that I am representing. Since I have started my own industry, I am in a better position to understand various grievances faced by industries. People at the Government level are not in a position to understand the various challenges that we face or get a first hand impression about the pulse of the industry. I am here just to put forth the reaction of the industry to the Government. When doing so, if I am clear in my approach or loud for that matter, people consider it as criticism. But I talk about factual scenarios which are existing in the industry and our challenges. Some people do not like to be vocal about such issues and love to talk out such things only socially, something which I don’t appreciate. I will talk what I feel like talking, especially when it comes to the industry. I don’t have grudges or enemity against anyone. I just put forth issues to the government and more often than not, I get a favourable response from them. If the cause is genuine, they try their best to cooperate with us.” Damodar Kochkar, President, VIA (Oct 2015 to Nov 2019)
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“VIA is a game-changing organisation”
“We started Verna Industries Association in 1996, as an outcome of the frustration of most of the industrial bodies, as there were no facilities to meet the requirements of the industry. I decided to take a lead by pulling together a few company representatives. The response was overwhelming. I must mention the contribution of Amol Prabhu from Titan, Anish Bhadouria from Coultards Packaging, Sanjay and Rajiv Sarda, Asit Aggarwal along with a few others who contributed to the formation of this Association.
The first meeting was held on 12th July 1996 in my cabin. We were twelve of us at the first meeting; and since then this Association has expanded to become the vibrant body that it is today. We were the first trade associations in the country to have a website. We dealt with the ministry, Government officials, the Chief Minister, various Union Ministers and various other dignitaries. VIA works for a common cause. We are united and work together for the betterment of the industry. We have not allowed any political units to come here. We have pulled up errant units if they are in the wrong and conveyed our dissent to them. I am very happy that the Association that I had started in 1996 has emerged to be one of the top institutions in Goa. I must thank my successors, for the job that they have done, especially during the last year and a half. When covid struck, we supported the Collectorate in a big way and contributed immensely to the Government kitty. We were not only giving money, we were also working on the ground. Blaise, Pradip and Damodar were looking after the labourers and supporting them by way of providing them with essentials. We created a covid care facility, had vaccination drives and I have seen these three men, coming at 7 in the morning and leaving at 9 in the evening every day – to pack essentials, with their own hands, to help the needy. I am very proud to be a part of this Association, which is celebrating its silver jubilee, and am happy that I was an enabler of this institution.” Nitin Kunkolienker, Founder President, VIA
(July 1996 to July 2001)
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“VIA has strived to focus and support the local ecosystem”
“VIA has played a vital role in sorting out various issues like water and electricity. It is not about asking for water only for one unit and not for the other. When we found there was a water problem, because of the treated water shortage, we pushed for getting raw water facility. This facility helps us conserve ground water, which is available. When it comes to the GIDC, we make sure, when they give a contract, the job is done. We also strive to working with schools, so that children around us would get the best facilities. Children were our priority, so with the six schools that we chose, we started with providing them desks, built toilets, made sure that there was availability of drinking water. We set up computer labs and audio-visual systems. There also was a program for the training of teachers, who were hesistant at the beginning, but when they realised we were reaching out to them, they got on board. VIA looks at everything through a futuristic prism; this way we have been performing our duties and continue to do so, albeit now the scope has enlarged manifold.” Blaise Costabir, President, VIA (July 2001 to July 2008 and November 2019 to May 2020)
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“It has been a long but fruitful struggle”
“I am one of the founding presidents and in the early days, we had limited resources. We had to fight to get our way for every small thing. There were issues with the Factories and Boilers Department, who used to harass us a lot. For about the first five years we had to sort out these various problems and with little monetary resources, it was difficult.
Slowly and steadily, we began building up from the ground level and this is what you see today.
Now, I have retired but I still keep coming here as I like to stay abreast of the happenings of VIA. Today, Nitin Kuncolienker, Blaise Costabir, Damodar Kochkar and Pradip da Costa are doing an excellent job, ensuring the smooth functioning of the association as well as the industrial estate. I am very proud of how far the Association has come today.” Cyril Pereira, President, VIA (July 2008 to October 2011)
PAVING THE WAY FOR EXCELLENT TELECOMMUNICATION IN GOA
The telecom scenario in Goa was very bad in the 1990s and VIA wanted a few pressing problems to be addressed immediately.
Founder President of VIA, Nitin Kunkolienker had heard about the tenacity of Jagmohan, the then Union Minister for Tourism and Communications; and about his penchant to provide solutions to any problem related to his area of work. The Goa Telecom Department has always been and still is, a smaller sibling of Maharashtra telecom. With its tele density of just about 0.17 then and internet penetration as low as it could be, Goa was in no position to have its say, lest be heard. As a result, the telecom users in Goa suffered a lot and the industry, the most.
Goa, at that time, was divided into two telecom districts, North and South, each with its own STD code, 0832 for North Goa and 0834 for South Goa. Therefore, anybody calling from Panaji to Margao or vice versa had to have the STD facility opened on his telephone and had to make a STD call. Further, Goa was divided into SDCAs (Short Distance Charging Areas) wherein anybody calling from beyond 50 kms was charged with much higher pulse rate. Numerous requests by several subscribers to get this changed to a more uniform method of charging had fallen on deaf ears. Revenue starved Telecom Department was perhaps looking at this as an opportunity to squeeze more out of the Goan consumers. Accessing the internet was yet another story, and in order to connect to the sluggish Dial Up Internet, one had to dial a Mumbai number on STD and remain connected on this Long Distance Call and be charged exorbitantly for the same on a handsome pulse rate. The connectivity was never stable and call drop was a regular feature. Downloading a mail or two in an hour used to be an achievement.
“Goa as an international tourism destination and as a ‘Corporate Creativity Cradle’ of the country, had immense potential to generate enough telecom demand and earn sufficient revenues. The need of the hour was for the Department to come out of its slumber and start working constructively. Most of the telephone exchanges in Goa belonged to the older influence and needed immediate replacement. At other locations, upgradation of infrastructure was necessary. For local internet access, the internet server had to be installed in Goa instead of one in Mumbai. The Exchange Numbering Plan had to be redone for the merger to single STD code for Goa. The local GM was not empowered enough to carry out any of these tasks and I could only commiserate with him,” says Nitin.
Something akin to an iron fisted deliverance was potently needed to take Goa Telecom out of its inefficiency glut. Nitin as a firm believer in team synergy, immediately constituted a small team of four that included P Sridhar, K D Kulkarni, (both from the then Controlnet) and Sandeep Verenkar from Anant Infotech.
The meeting agenda was drawn and it included the following primary points: The internet access through a local standalone server; uniform pulse rate throughout Goa for voice calling; merging of the STD codes into one, instead of North and South Goa; Upgradation of the local telephone exchanges so that state of the art services could be offered to Goan subscribers; fibre backbone across Goa; more towers for DOT, Ring Network for select important areas and DID facility in major exchanges to suit corporate needs.
Union Minister Jagmohan being on a visit to Goa met Nitin who was a Managing Committee member of GCCI then. He presented the ‘Goa Agenda’ to him on behalf of the Goan industry.
Jagmohan then opened a floodgate of instructions, for every query, every doubt, every question raised by the officials present there, he had an answer, and every answer was followed by an action plan for execution. He finally asked the GM to depute his top man as an officer on special duty to oversee this execution.
“The optical fibre ring network that Goa boasts of, high speed internet access, international microwave and satellite connectivity backbone, the spread of the mobile network infrastructure throughout the length and breadth of Goa all are and have been possible largely due to the futuristic implementation approach that was adopted by Shri Jagmohanji,” adds Nitin.
“Today, Goa is on the threshold of a new emerging communication technology of 5G, internet of things is cementing its place in the social fabric of the vast majority, Artificial Intelligence is making great inroads in the common person’s life, and digital payment system is commonplace today. Content consumption over the internet, for entertainment and for business is touching Petabytes and digital revolution is here to stay and grow further. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa has already unveiled the Telecom Tower Policy and implementation of the same will pave the paths for early adoption of these emerging technologies,” opines Nitin
Battling Covid: Supporting Government, Workforce and Industry
Support to the Police Station VIA has been provided crucial assistance in strengthening the base of Verna Police Station outpost by supporting them in multiple projects. VIA has supported the police with the road barricades, PPE kits, face masks, face shields, sanitisers etc for all the Police personnel at Verna Police Station along with Vitamin C tablets for the South Goa district personnel.
VIA helped set-up a gym at Verna Police Station and very recently upgraded the same, with a motorised treadmill and elliptical. In addition, VIA has donated 3 of E-motor cycles for patrolling Verna Industrial Estate as a green initiative.
Beds were provided to Maina-Curtorim Police Station.
Besides this, beverages to Vasco, Maina-Curtorim, Verna and Margao Police Stations were also provided.
Covid-19 Pandemic Situation
This has been a critical phase for everyone around, but VIA has handled this situation excellently thanks to its pro-active measures and that of Industries to help bring the situation under normalcy.
Free Ration for Contract Workforce
Free ration was distributed to the contract workforce during the scarcity period of the lockdown phase. Vegetables, grocery items and necessities were provided for the workforce for a period of 15 days continuously. Tons of rations were sourced and supplied in form of parcels to the workforce. This was done in partnership with GSIA.
Instant Support for District Collector’s Office
VIA has provided endless support to the office of the Collector in providing the basic requirements such as face masks, hand sanitizers, soaps, hand gloves, biscuits, fans, tea kettles and more. The Collector’s office has played vital role in distributing and reaching out to the larger pool of people in various remote villages of Goa.
Support for the ESIC Hospital and PHCs at Cortalim and Cansaulim
VIA has provided a floor cleaning machine for the ESIC Hospital, oxygen concentrators for ESIC and Cansaulim PHC, PPE equipments, face-shields, face-masks, sanitisers etc to all, as well as beverages.
Support for the South Goa District Hospital
VIA had provided 100 beds at the start of the second wave of Covid, besides PPE kits, face shields, face masks and sanitisers. Then again, at that critical time, VIA provided 4 Philips ventilators, plenty of essential critical medicines etc. Now in preparation of the third wave, VIA has helped set up a state-of-the-art neo-natal paediatric SNCU at the South Goa District Hospital.
Covid Testing Centre and Swab Collection Centre
At the start of the pandemic, in probably an all-India industry first, VIA set up their own RT-PCR testing centre through South Goa District Hospital, so that industry personnel could get their results within 24 hours, thus enabling immediate containment actions, and also in reducing the load on the strained Government infrastructure. When Phase-2 broke out, VIA enhanced this capacity by adding another machine. This facility is free for industry personnel.
Full-fledged Covid Care Centre
During Phase-1, in probably another all-India industry first, VIA had set-up full-fledged 130-bedded Covid Centre in Verna Industrial Estate, as an immediate support for the industry workforce. A 130-bedded centre was established by providing all the necessary facilities at the centre with a team of doctors, nurses and other support staff. This has been a big milestone for VIA and big support for the State Government during the crisis. This service, again, was free for all industry personnel.
Currently in preparedness for the third wave, VIA already has a 40 bed step-up facility ready, with 20 oxygen concentrators and 5 oxygen cylinders, with a medical team on stand-by, ready to kick start if required. This capacity can be increased to 100 beds, and both, beds and space are available.
VIA: touching lives beyond business & industry
VIA has constantly interacted with Government department heads, GIDC, PWD, WRD, FI, GSPCB etc and ensured that the environment of VIA is always hassle-free for the entrepreneur. Verna Industrial Estate has a fire station; a raw water storage tank so that there is no need to draw bore well water, thus being more environmental friendly; a hospital; decent canteens; truck parking; along with a KTC counter, and a motorcycle pilot stand.
Industry Initiatives
1. The most prestigious and flagmark project of VIA ‘Kaun Banega Udyogpati’ was held in January 2014.
2. Assistance was provided to Verna industries for acquiring Aadhar cards.
3. VIA has assisted ITI job fair conducted by State Directorate of Craftsmen Training.
4. Medical Camp held in Verna Panchayat in October 2013.
5. Representation on the Regional Advisory Committee for customs, Central Excise and Service Tax.
6. Email network for information precipitations.
7. Assistance for placement of candidates (referred and others) and also requirement of candidates by industry.
8. Working closely with GSIA, GCCI, CII and other state and national associations for issues of common interest
9. To pool resources and work for development of common facilities for industries, VIA invited National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC).
10. Setting up of a Police Outpost in October 2019 to cater to the needs of Verna Industrial Estate.
Beautification: VIA has undertaken a step-up approach in the beautification drive of entire Verna Industrial Estate. The main entrance of the Estate has been given a face-lift, by renovating the entrance structure as well as the subway by spreading greenery. The main divider of Verna Industrial Estate i.e. from the main gate to the end point of the Industrial Estate has been taken up for greenery project, wherein companies have been given an opportunity to partner in this drive and maintain the environment. A state-of-the-art unique motorcycle taxi stand also has been made with drinking water facility, and all this is solar powered, which is another green initiative by the VIA.
Fit India: As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a Fit India, in VIA’s Silver Jubilee Year, and India’s Platinum Jubilee Year of Independence, VIA partnered with Xaxti Riders to have a 30 kms and 75 kms commemorative cycle rides on 15th August 2021, wherein nearly 500 cyclists participated. This also included the former Chief of the Indian Navy, 79 year old Admiral Arun Prakash. And to make this, in the true spirit of India of national integration and one of unity in diversity, VIA had roped in Headquarters of the Goa Naval Area to also partner this event, thus signalling an unique civilian / industry / defence synergy.
Further, in a similar context, VIA again partnered with Xaxti Riders, and roped in 3 MTR, the Army Training Regiment at Margao to celebrate the Swarnim Vijay Varsh that is the Golden Jubilee of the 1971 War Victory over Pakistan; wherein a 25 kms and 50 kms commemorative cycle rides were held on 12 September 2021 with over 250 cyclists participating. These races included 1971 War Veteran Wing Commander Ajit Guglani, 2 STC – Goa Commandant Brigadier Arvinder Singh Swahney, 3 MTR – Goa Commanding Officer Colonel Rahul Gohad, South Goa District Collector Ruchika Katyal IAS, South Goa District Hospital Superintendent Dr Deepa Correia Afonso, among many others.
Traffic Signals: VIA installed and commissioned the traffic signals on NH-17 at the Titan Junction and Birla-Cross Junction; and very recently on the new NH-17B at the IFB Junction and Coca-Cola Junction. Besides installing the traffic signals, the AMC is also managed by VIA
