Long-pending illumination of Merces bypass road complete

TEAM HERALD

bureau@herald-goa.com

OLD GOA: Call it a mere coincidence or the Modi rally effect, the long-pending demand of the people for illumination of the Merces bypass road has finally become a reality as the power department has installed electricity poles with sodium lamps.

The poles were installed all along the stretch from the Merces bypass junction to the Immaculate Conception Chapel in Chimbel, a stretch which had been in darkness since the bypass road was constructed during the earlier regime of the Parrikar government. When contacted, AE Chandramodi denied that the illumination of the bypass had anything to do with Modi rally.

“We had received a resolution from Merces Panchayat demanding illumination of this stretch of the bypass road in October 2013 as there were complaints that villagers who use the road for walking and jogging during early morning and late evening, particularly women, feel unsafe due to the darkness,” Chandramodi informed while stating that there were complaints of chain-snatching also taking place.

Meanwhile, with only two days left for the Narendra Modi’s rally, the work to ready the venue on the Merces bypass road is in full swing.

Speaking to Herald, BJP State Executive member and former Merces Sarpanch Girish Uskaikar informed that almost 60 per cent of the work is complete, while the rest of the work will be completed shortly.

“The barricading is nearing completion while work on the stage will be completed by tomorrow,” Uskaikar informed while stating that around 10-12 LED TVs will be installed around the venue. On the facilities for parking, Uskaikar informed that provision has been made to accommodate 6,000 four-wheelers, 2,500 buses and 10,000 two-wheelers. Meanwhile, the plan to have a helipad at the venue has been dropped. and Modi will now land at Cabo Raj Niwas, Dona Paula, and transported to the venue.

A temporary road is also constructed, which will be used to transport the dignitaries from the main road to the venue. Uskaikar further informed that the BJP State Executive committee meets everyday to update on the status of the work.