Mala bridge to reduce traffic jams

The bridge over Rua de Ourem connecting Mala to the Patto complex will soon bring relief to the residents of Mala and Patto. Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has already placed the foundation stone on April 8.

Managing Director (GSIDC) Sanjit Rodrigues told Herald that construction work is in the early stages as the pilling work for the bridge has already started. This new bridge will help reduce traffic congestion and also create a parallel entry route for the commuters, Sanjit said.

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 the cost of Rs 24 crore as tender was floated on January 25, 2016.

Anish Nagvekar, a resident of Mala, said that this bridge will bring relief to the people of Panjim and Mala as 40 per cent of current traffic will be diverted. Speaking further he stated that this bridge will also act as a shortcut route for travelling to the Panjim Bus Terminal.

Another resident of Mala Rajan Kambli said this is the most awaited project for the people of Mala since a lot people will use this as a shortcut from Mala to the Panjim Bus Stand. He said traffic congestion taking place during peak hours will also be reduced after the Mala bridge is completed.

Patto Ramkrishna expressed relief saying that this bridge will be very beneficial to the people as almost half of the traffic will be diverted thus creating less congestion near the Panjim Bus stand. At present traffic jams are experienced almost every day at the old Patto bridge during office and peak hours. People wanting to travel to Mala can use the bridge and avoid the long route, he explained.

Anirudha Bhaje, a resident of Taleigao, said he often travels by bus and this bridge will act as the best and the shortest route for travelling to the Panjim Bus Stand as it will have a four-lane.