PORVORIM: Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Nilesh Cabral on Thursday admitted that the parapet wall of Arabo Bridge, connecting Tuem village in the Mandrem constituency and Aroba-Dhargal village in the Pernem constituency, has ‘developed cracks’. However, he claimed that the bridge remains strong and safe for vehicular traffic.
Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar raised the issue in the State Legislative Assembly, drawing attention to the dilapidated condition of the bridge, which reportedly is four decades old. Arolkar emphasised the necessity of constructing a new and wider bridge to prevent future accidents.
Minister Nilesh Cabral responded, “The existing Arabo Bridge was constructed over 40 years ago, with two piers and cantilevers at both ends supported on abutments. The abutment on the Mandrem side has settled, and during this monsoon, the parapet wall has developed minor cracks. However, the bridge remains strong and safe for vehicular use.”
“The existing bridge’s width measures around 4 to 4.5 metres, and its length is 5.5 metres. Presently, there is no scope for widening the bridge due to habitation on the Arabo side. However, land acquisition has to be done separately, and a new bridge of larger width must be constructed. Currently, there is no such proposal,” added the Minister.
Cabral further stated that if the local MLA assists the government in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the landowners, the government can initiate the land acquisition process and proceed with the construction of a new bridge.
