The bridge is narrow and traffic jams are a frequent problem confronting motorists Work on new bridge will begin in January, says Dhavalikar
SANTOSH NAIK
Given its location, Ponda taluka has been dependent on bridges to provide vital connectivity with other parts of the State.
While new bridges have been built at Borim, Banastarim, Usgao and Khandola to provide better access to and from Ponda taluka, authorities have, over the years, largely forgotten one age-old bridge along a key route in the taluka which has been struggling to cater to growing traffic for over five decades.
Aware that the old and overburdened Khandepar bridge would be unable to withstand the numbers and weight of vehicles for long, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has now assured that work on the new Khandepar bridge could begin as early as January 2015.
The Khandepar bridge was constructed during the Portuguese regime considering the need and ground realities at the time. But over the decades, the bridge has been woefully inadequate to cope with the growing traffic movement along the route. Despite this, the Khandepar Bridge has withstood the quantity and weight of vehicles far beyond its recommended capacity.
The bridge is narrow and frequent traffic jams at the site are a frequent problem confronting motorists. Even a minor mishap on or near the bridge could disrupt traffic for hours together. This, in turn, causes hardship to students and office-goers, emergency and paramedic services cause up in the traffic jams.
In a bid to regulate traffic on the old bridge, authorities had installed traffic lights on the Khandepar Bridge, but the traffic lights have functioned in an erratic manner, defeating the very purpose of streamlining traffic.
Ponda MLA Lavu Mamledar said the Khandepar bridge has been faithfully serving the State for several decades.
“However, the bridge is old and needs to be inspected from time-to-time. I will ensure that the bridge is periodically inspected by authorities, while also assuring that Traffic Police is posted on the bridge to regulate the flow of traffic,” said Mamledar.
Admitting that the Khandepar Bridge is unable to cater to present day requirements, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar told Herald that a new alternative bridge is an urgent requirement at the site.
“Oncoming heavy vehicles cannot pass on bridge at the same time and the State government is aware of the traffic congestion on this bridge. This bridge is vital to us as vegetables and essential commodities are transported from Belgaum to Goa along this route,” said Dhavalikar.
“This bridge is narrow and a new alternative bridge is the need of the hour. The Central government has given its nod for a new bridge at the site. The State government has also undertaken a survey, besides other paper work and formalities. We are in the process of completing these formalities. Besides, land for the approach road has also been acquired,” he added.
“Work on the new Khandepar bridge will commence in the beginning of the New Year and the new bridge will be completed within one-and-half to 2 years. An estimated Rs 650 crore will be utilised for the bridge and the road-widening work at Curti-Khandepar and along the Dhavali bypass.”
“The government will also direct the police to ensure that heavy vehicles beyond 16-20 tonnes are not allowed to pass on the bridge,” said the minister.
