VIBHA VERMA
vibha@herald-goa.com
In all probability, the bridge over Rua de Ourem connecting Mala to Patto complex will be thrown open for two-way vehicular movement in the second week of December, bringing relief for the people of Mala, Bhatulem and Taleigao. As the work is in final stage, the Goa Traffic Department has also swung in action to prepare a detailed traffic chart to prevent chaotic situation considering that many commuters are eagerly waiting to use this ‘short-cut route.’
“The Traffic Cell has started analysing areas on both sides of the bridge. The traffic pattern around the Bridge is also being analysed but all this is still at preliminary stage. We will prepare a detailed traffic movement chart after which it will be placed for discussion (with all authorities concerned) and then begin with the implementation,” Deputy Superintendent of Police (North Goa Traffic Cell) Dharmesh Angle told Herald.
The department has assured to finalise the plan before the opening of the bridge. “We are aware that the Bridge will be open for general traffic movement this month. The plan will be ready before that,” the officer said.
The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) is intending to inaugurate the first-phase of the Bridge on the eve of the four-day long assembly session on December 12 or December 13, when the session commences and incidentally is Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s birthday.
“The work is complete barring some minor works like embankment, commissioning of new water pipeline (on Monday) and tarring of the road. As such, we are planning to inaugurate the Bridge on December 12 or December 13, but it is guaranteed that the Bridge will be open to the public this month,” GSIDC Vice Chairman Siddarth Kunkalienkar told Herald.
The entire project is divided in two phases. Phase I consists of two-lane bridge along with service bridge for utilities while Phase II will consist of another two-lane bridge. Phase II works will be taken up shortly, Kunkalienkar assured.
This new bridge is expected to shorten the distance from south-eastern parts of the city and its suburbs in St Cruz at least by 1.5 kms and help in decongesting the area. It will also 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. The design of the four-lane bridge includes a special arch in between and special slots for sewage line, electrical cables and wires and water pipelines.
