The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has already confirmed that they are working towards completing the phase I by this November end.
As Herald visited the site it was revealed that the construction has been going at a fast pace. The contractor has already laid the foundation for 20 piers. Initially the project was supposed to be completed in 18 months. Now, however, only the first phase is expected to finish by November end this year.
“The entire project is divided in two phases. Phase I consists of two-lane bridge along with service bridge for utilities. Phase II will consist of another two- lane bridge. We have completed all piles of Phase I. Phase II works will be taken up after shifting of Panjim city water supply pipeline on service bridge of Phase I,” said Sidharth Kunkolienkar, Panjim MLA and GSIDC Vice-chairman.
“This link will provide alternative to the traffic originating from Mala, Fontainhas, St Cruz, Bhatulem, Altinho and Taleigao which proceeds to bus stand to exit Panjim city, thus reducing significant traffic on Panjim roads,” he added
This new bridge is also expected to shorten the distance from South-eastern parts of the city and its suburbs in St Cruz at least by a kilometre and help in decongesting the area.
The design of the bridge will include a special arch in between and will also have special slots for sewage line, electrical cables and wires and water pipelines. The contract has been awarded to Larsen and Toubro (L&T) at a cost of Rs 24 crore. The tender was floated on January 25, 2016.
Vikram Tambat, a resident of Mala, said that this bridge will bring relief to the people of Panjim and Mala as 40 per cent of current traffic will be diverted. Speaking further he stated that this bridge will also act as a shortcut to get to the Panjim Bus Terminal.
Another resident of Mala Kaushik Naik said this is the most awaited project for the people of Mala since a lot people will use this as a shortcut from Mala to the Panjim Bus Stand. He said traffic congestion taking place during peak hours will also be reduced after the Mala bridge is completed.
Krishna Khandeparker expressed relief saying that this bridge will be very beneficial to the people as almost half of the traffic will be diverted thus creating less congestion near the Panjim Bus stand. At present traffic jams are experienced almost every day at the old Patto bridge during office and peak hours. People wanting to travel to Mala can use the bridge and avoid the long route, he explained.
Liaqat Hussain, a resident of Taleigao, said he often travels by bus and this bridge will act as the best and the shortest route for travelling to the Panjim Bus Stand as it will have a four-lane.
