Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) said they are working towards completing phase I of the Patto-Mala bridge by January 2017.
When Herald visited the site construction was going on at a fast pace. The contractor has completed piling of four columns and pile caps on two sets of piles. Initially the project was to be completed in 18 months. Now, however, only the first phase is expected to be finished by the end of January 2017.
“The project is divided into two phases. Phase I consists of two-lane bridge along with service bridge for utilities. Phase II will consist of another two-lane bridge. We have already completed work of piling of four columns and pile caps on two sets of piles and currently work is going on pile caps on two sets of piles and form work. Phase II will be taken up after shifting of Panjim city water supply pipeline on service bridge of Phase I,” said Panjim MLA and GSIDC Vice-Chairman Siddharth Kunkolienkar.
“This link will provide an alternative to traffic originating from Mala, Fontainhas, St Cruz, Bhatulem, Altinho and Taleigao which proceeds to the bus stand to exit Panjim, thus reducing traffic on Panjim roads,” he added.
The design of the bridge will include a special arch in between and will also have special slots for sewage line, electrical cables and wires and water pipelines. The contract has been awarded to Larsen and Toubro (L&T) at a cost of Rs 24 crore. The tender was floated on January 25, 2016.
A resident of Mala Edwin Antao said, “More than 40 percent of the current traffic will be diverted. Since the bridge is delayed the residents of Mala will have to wait longer but once commissioned this bridge will also act as a shortcut to get to Panjim Bus Stand.
