PANJIM: In a major initiative, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has ordered an analysis of the condition of all bridges in Goa along with an inventory on the existing number of bridges and culverts the State has. The socio-economic impact, environment impact and the quality and standard of the bridges will be studied over the next three years.
The ministry decided to undertake this exercise in Goa, Maharashtra and Dadra Nagar Haveli, so as to ascertain the number of major, minor bridges and culverts the State has along the National Highways and whether there is a need for improvement of existing bridges or allocation of new bridges considering the flow of traffic.
Highly placed sources confirmed that Union Ministry has already opened a Request for Proposal (RFP) document inviting bidders to undertake the project, with the last date for submitting bids being November 23.
“The bridge and culvert condition data is to be collected twice a year during pre-monsoon period and post-monsoon period for three years utilizing Mobile Bridge Inspection Unit,” the RFP reads.
The study will include data on bridge connectivity, average daily traffic, social importance, economic growth, environmental impact, structural evaluation, age of bridge, type of bridge, construction material, super and sub-structure, design, repairs undertaken and other related studies.
In case of distressed bridges, the consultant will have to undertake special inspection and test survey, based on which a detailed rehabilitation plan will be drafted.
