Team Herald

PORVORIM: The State government’s two ambitious infrastructural project – third bridge over River Mandovi and eight lane cable-stayed bridge over Zuari River – are expected to be completed by 2017-18 and in 2019 respectively, the Economic Survey 2016-17 stated. 

For the current financial year 2016-17, the government, through its two heads, Public Works Department (PWD) and Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has spent a whopping Rs 2365.95 crore on construction and maintenance of various bridges, State highways, District highways and roads passing through tourism areas. 

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday tabled the Economic Survey 2016-17 before the State Legislative Assembly. 

“The project of construction of bridge across River Mandovi includes approach roads on NH17 between Pundalik Nagar junction (Porvorim) and Merces junction. The project commenced on July 27, 2014 with a total cost of Rs 403 crore,” the report stated. 

The total expenditure incurred till date on the project is Rs 200.62 crore, with the overall physical progress of the work is 55 percent. “The project is likely to be completed during the financial year 2017-18,” it added.

On the other hand, the work on the project of construction of new eight lane cable-stayed bridge across River Zuari has been started and is expected to be completed by 2019.

“The cost of the project, including the approach roads from Siridao on one side and Verna Industrial Estate on the other, is Rs 1403 crore,” it stated. The length of the bridge along with the approach roads is 640 metres. 

As per the available data, the PWD and GSIDC have spent a whopping Rs 788.23 crore on construction of various bridges and approach roads, while another Rs 274.61 crore on expansion and hot mixing of State highways. At the same time, it spent Rs 439.57 crore on major district roads and another Rs 863.54 crore on roads along tourism areas.