MARGAO: Under the Setu Bandhan (SB) initiative, a collaboration between the Union Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways (MoRTH) and the Railways, plans are underway for the construction of a new rail overbridge at Comba, near Shree Damodar Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School in Margao. The estimated cost for this project is Rs 104.6 crore.
Additionally, the State PWD department has proposed that the construction of the missing link in the ring road, connecting the Power House junction to the Colva circle through Margao, approximately 300m away from Shree Damodar school be taken up under the SB scheme too. The proposed cost for this missing link is Rs 95.8 crore. Local authorities, in coordination with the Central government, anticipate that the completion of both projects will significantly alleviate vehicular congestion in Margao.
Currently, when trains pass near Shree Damodar school, the Comba level crossing is shut, redirecting traffic through a subway. The upcoming rail overbridge is expected to lead to the permanent closure of this level crossing. However, going by the decision that was taken by the Railway authorities to shut the Guirdolim railway crossing, it is likely that the Comba Railway crossing will be permanently shut once the new rail overbridge is constructed.
A PWD official pointed out that the Margao ring road, which links the Colva road and the Power House circle, underwent partial construction and was opened for traffic in 2018. However, as per the official, legal disputes ensued due to opposition from certain locals facing property demolition.
