Goa, June 14 -- Once envisioned as Panjim's flagship business district, Patto Plaza has now become a glaring example of failed urban planning and deteriorating infrastructure. Despite being home to prominent corporate offices, banks, and government institutions, the area today struggles with crumbling roads and substandard civic amenities-issues only made worse with the arrival of the monsoon.

Developed and managed by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Patto Plaza had the rare advantage of starting from scratch-unlike the rest of Panjim, which inherited its layout from Portuguese rule. Yet, this opportunity for planned development has yielded disappointing results. Instead of a streamlined, modern hub, Patto grapples with uneven...