Team Herald
PANJIM: With over three bridges, the four-lane Canacona bypass, constructed as part of national highway expansion project, will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on November 29.
The 7.74kms long bypass road includes three bridges, namely Talpona (450m), Galgibaga (500m) and Mashem (130m) rivers. The bypass from Char Rasta to Polem, reportedly include three vehicular underpasses, 17 piped culverts and four box culverts.
“The bypass will cut-short the travel time from Char Rasta in Canacona to Polem by almost 15 kms,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday.
Sawant said that once the bypass is thrown open for public, it will just take seven kms to reach Pollem, which is currently around 21 kms.
The existing highway stretch going from Char Rasta towards Polem passes through a mix of developed areas, hilly terrain and forested patches. Undertaken by M Venkatrao Infra Project Pvt Ltd, the estimated cost of the project is around Rs 297 crore. The work of the project had begun in January 2016.
Meanwhile, admitting that the ongoing work of second bridge over River Zuari had lead to chaotic situation, Sawant said that government has already identified a alternative route, which will be put open for public in next one month.
“Due to the ongoing works of Zuari Bridge and national highway expansion, I admit there is blockade and people are put to hardship but we are trying our best to work out the solution and alternative route,” he said.
“I would request people not to come on road and protest but to cooperate with government and have some patience,” Chief Minister stated. He also urged people not to block developmental works.
Further, responding to a question on Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo’s allegation that the concerned officials attached to PWD and Electricity Departments are not cooperating, Chief Minister said that the ministers have right to pull up the government officials and make them work.
“He (Lobo) is a minister and has the right to pull up the government officers, if they are found to be lethargic in their duties. Minister can call the government officer and ask them to work,” he said while adding that efforts are on to augment water and electricity supply in the coastal belt.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Isidore Fernandes was delighted to be the host to Union Minister Gadkari and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for the official opening ceremony of the bypass road.
He said, “The all important road will save lives and property, and the travelling time for the residents of Galgibaga, Talpona, Mashem, Loliem and Polem will be reduced drastically.
“Once commissioned I wish a safe journey to everyone travelling on this road which was the dream of “Canaconkars” and is already attracting eyeballs as the road is passing through one of the best scenic spots in Southern Goa,” said Fernandes.
