With almost 85 per cent work completed, the 103-metre bridge, connecting Neugi Nagar and Patto, is expected to be completed in a couple of months. However, the contractors have not yet disclosed a new date for the Phase I to be thrown open for vehicular traffic.
The much awaited bridge, that would have brought relief to the residents of Mala and Patto, is going to take longer since the completion of Phase I is already delayed.
Speaking to Herald, Larsen and Toubro (L&T), Construction Manager, Shastri, said, “Almost 85 per cent of the works of the bridge have been completed. At present the top slab works are going on. Forty per cent work is completed and we are hoping to finish all major works of the bridge before monsoon starts.”
“We are trying to finish 60 per cent balance which is left of the top slab along with the ramp for connecting the bridge from both the sides. Once the top slab is done and once the concrete is hard then we will began with pre-stressing work,” said Shastri.
When asked about the starting of Phase 2, the authorities said that it will be taken up after shifting of Panjim city water supply pipeline on the service bridge of Phase I.
Further the authorities have said 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.
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.
Meanwhile, this link will provide alternative to the traffic originating from Mala, Fontainhas, St Cruz, Bhatulem, Altinho and Taleigao which proceeds to bus stand to exit Panjim city, thus reducing significant traffic on Panjim roads.
Further this new bridge is also expected to shorten the distance from South-eastern parts of the city and its suburbs in St Cruz at least by a kilometre and help in decongesting the area.
A local resident of Mala, Naciket Lolyekar, speaking to Herald, said “The bridge will be very useful to all the people as almost half of the traffic will be diverted and the present traffic jams which are experienced almost every day at the old Patto Bridge during office and peak hours, will be reduced. People wanting to travel to Mala can use the bridge and avoid the long route.”
