TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The proposed signature bridge connecting Keri to Tiracol has been tendered by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC). Insiders confirm that the Sydney Harbour styled steel arch bridge connecting the two villages costing estimated Rs 90 crore will facilitate transit by locals and tourists.
The proposed bridge was in the news recently as opponents cried foul that the bridge was being constructed to serve a hotel project in Tiracol.
While GSIDC said it had no comments on ‘frivolous’ allegations, it has been confirmed that a high end luxury resort is being developed in Tiracol by Toronto headquartered Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts which includes an 18 hole Professional Golf Association (PGA) accredited golf course designed by British golf legend Colin Montgomerie.
While a Singapore-London engineering firm is designing the resort-golf course project it was also proposing a bridge over the Tiracol river.
However, GSIDC says that there will be only one bridge connecting Keri to Tiracol which will be constructed by the Corporation.
The 625 meter long bridge will be two-laned and completed within a year and a half from the date of issue of work orders. It will be the second steel arch bridge after the Calvim-Aldona bridge. The Calvim-Aldona bridge is due to be completed within the next one month, officials said.
The GSIDC, it is learnt, had shortlisted three bridge designs for Keri-Tiracol one of which included the Sydney Harbour styled bridge.
Tenders for the bridge and approach roads are expected to be finalised by October. The approach road on the Keri side is 200 meters long and that on Tiracol side is 30 meters. The bridge will also have a 1.5 meter pedestrian lane on both the side.
Earlier this month the corporation floated tenders for a bridge connecting Camurlim to Tuem.
Tenders for the bridge and approach roads are expected to be finalised by October. The approach road on the Keri side is 200 meters long and that on Tiracol side is 30 meters.
