TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: While the government has proposed to build six new bridges across the State at an estimated cost of Rs 560 crore, the fate of the five flyovers proposed by the Konkan Railway Corporation at congested level crossings in Salcete remains unknown.
Estimated to cost a whopping Rs 117.77 crore, the five flyovers were proposed at the level crossings at Comba-Margao, Davorlim, Seraulim, Majorda and Utorda. The KRC proposal, sources say, had received a nod in principle from the State government, but the fund allocation for the ambitious flyovers and acquisition of land for the approach roads have apparently come in the way of execution of the project.
When contacted, KRC Sr Public Relations, Manager, Baban Ghatge said the KRC has till date not received any formal sanction from the State government to execute the project. “The State government had in principle agreed to execute the project when the proposal was submitted. But, we are awaiting a formal nod from the government, coupled with fund allocation and making available land for approach roads”, Ghatge said.
Incidentally, the Chief Minister had okayed a flyover and land acquisition for the approach road at the Davorlim level crossing during his visit to the village last year. Last week, Fisheries Minister and Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado had a meeting with KRC officials in the District Collectorate to discuss land acquisition for the approach road for the proposed flyover.
When contacted, Avertano said he would pursue with the Chief Minister the fate of the Davorlim flyover proposed by the KRC.
“The flyover at Davorlim is required because of the frequent closure of the level crossing. I will also take up land acquisition for the proposed approach road”, Avertano said.
The KRC had mooted the five flyovers on 50:50 cost sharing basis with the State government.
Though the KRC was expecting funds flowing from the State government by December end, no communication has been received till date on the subject, Ghatge added.
