MARGAO: The Center will offer whatever support is required to improve not only Goa's knowledge sector but also the tourist state's infrastructure, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here.

The Government will offer support to strengthen Goa's knowledge sector and also its infrastructure, he said while inaugurating the Goa Broadband Network at Porvorim near here. "You have a lot of infrastructural bottlenecks.

We have approved the four-laning of the entire 139 kms length of NH-17 including a second bridge on the Zuari River under Phase III of the National Highway Development Program." The Government has also approved the upgrading of 69 km of NH 4A, involving an investment of over Rs 1,500 crore.

"We will provide financial assistance for improving state and district roads and the State Government should send detailed proposals in this regard soon. Under Bharat Nirman, we will take up improvement of 760 km of rural roads at a cost of Rs 150 crore," Singh added.

The Center would work for improving the infrastructure of Panaji under the JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission), he said, adding it will help the state host the 2011 National Games. The Prime Minister complemented the State Government for implementing the innovative broadband project.

The digital capability, combined with high human development indices, will take Goa to higher levels of excellence and prosperity, Singh said, adding the Centre will bear this in mind while locating new institutions for higher learning as envisaged in the 11th Plan.

While launching the first phase of the Goa Broadband Network, he said this pioneering project is an important milestone in the use of modern telecommunications and IT capabilities for improving public services and also the quality of lives of the people.

He said the Broadband Network provides connectivity at the highest speeds available anywhere in the entire country. "It is a matter of immense satisfaction that this project is bridging the digital divide in the state."

By the end of next year, as the lines reach each and every home, there would be tremendous service opportunities in new fields such as healthcare, education and employment, Singh said. Under the project, Goa would be in a position to provide long distance computer-based education and emergency and diagnostic healthcare facilities.