Team Herald
PONDA: The nearly four-decade-old Borim Bridge, which continues to be used after repeated repairs, has become a growing concern among commuters and locals, who question the safety and longevity of the ageing structure.
The bridge, inaugurated on August 27, 1986, by then Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane in the presence of the then Urban Minister Luis Proto Barbosa and former Shiroda MLA Subhash Shirodkar, has witnessed increased traffic stress, especially in the past decade. Locals point out that the bridge bore the brunt of diverted heavy traffic from the Zuari Bridge during the construction of the new Cortalim Bridge, significantly increasing its load.
Recently, major repair works were undertaken, including the addition of truss supports beneath the bridge. While some commuters say the bridge is now “on life support,” officials clarify that the truss was installed to facilitate bearing replacement and overall strengthening. Authorities maintain that repair and reinforcement works are carried out as required to ensure structural integrity.
Commuter Shailesh Naik expressed his apprehension, stating, “I don’t know how far the government will continue with repairs on the already overburdened bridge. In case of an untoward incident, people will face inconvenience as the bridge connects South and North Goa and also handles interstate traffic. The ferry service is an option, but it will serve only a few, while thousands of commuters will suffer.”
Naresh Naik echoed similar concerns, remarking, “The Borim Bridge has been overused and overburdened. It has undergone multiple repairs, and now the government is building a new bridge on a war footing.”
Locals note that, although the bridge is officially 38-years-old, due to the intense and sustained pressure from diverted traffic, its effective wear-and-tear feels closer to 50 years. A few years ago, damage to the finger-type expansion joints had caused panic among commuters until it was promptly repaired.
Amid these worries, controversy surrounds the proposed new Borim Bridge, as farmers in Loutolim and Borim oppose its alignment through their fertile khazan lands. These traditional farmers fear losing their agricultural livelihoods.
Against this backdrop, commuters are urging the government to expedite a practical and long-term solution for the Borim Bridge, stating that the current structure is clearly overstretched.
Borim Sarpanch Jayesh Naik welcomed the upcoming repair and hotmix carpeting work on the bridge. He informed that the bridge would remain closed to traffic at night from 10 pm to 6 am for two weeks to facilitate the repairs. He also urged commuters to adhere to the speed limit of 30 km/h on the bridge and avoid over-speeding.