The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has recently selected a series of highway projects nationwide to incorporate artificial intelligence technology. Among the 16 national pilot projects chosen for 2025–2026, a ₹700 crore project in Goa stands out: the 22km four-laning of the Bundordum–Canacona section.

The Ministry will deploy Automated and Intelligent Machine-Assisted Construction (AIMC) technology on the Bundordum–Canacona project. This technology has already been successfully tested on the Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway, using equipment such as GPS-guided graders, intelligent compactors, and wireless pavers. Officials confirmed that the Bundordum–Canacona project has been approved and will be awarded shortly. AIMC ensures faster, more efficient, and more accurate construction while minimizing manual intervention. For projects involving extensive earthwork like Goa's, AIMC is particularly valuable: "We will use GPS-guided machines and 3D modeling to ensure construction is as close as possible to the design," officials stated.

For the Bundordum–Canacona project, MoRTH will assist the contractor in obtaining the required radio frequency licenses from the telecom department to operate the technology. A dedicated login and password will also be created to store all project data. "It does not replace traditional quality checks, but AIMC aims to assist quality management," officials added.

The NH-66 stretch from Bundordum to the start of the Canacona bypass forms part of the Mumbai–Kanyakumari four-lane corridor. As a vital arterial route connecting towns such as Margao, Cuncolim, and Canacona, it passes through villages including Bundordum, Collem, Barcem, and Canacona. The section is critical for inter-state connectivity with Karnataka and Maharashtra and will significantly improve intra-state traffic between Panaji and Margao.

The project follows a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM): the government provides 40% of the project cost as construction support during the building phase, while the remaining 60% is paid as annuities with interest over the concession period. Operation and maintenance costs are paid separately by the government.