TEAM HERALD
MERCES: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday stated that it is some divine intervention that the four-laning of the highway to Old Goa road coincides with the St Francis Xavier’s Exposition.
Parrikar was speaking at a function organised to lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Ribandar bypass road, from Old Goa to Panjim, with two-wheeler lanes and flyover. Parrikar laid the foundation stone in the presence of PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, St Andre MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh and PWD officials.
“It could be some divine intervention that the four-laning of the road coincides with the St Francis Xavier’s Exposition, which will be held from November 22 this year. During the last Exposition, the project of building the NH4A bypass road was completed,” he said.
“The entire project will be completed by May 2015, but I have given instructions that the four-laning of the road has to be completed by November 10 so that there is smooth vehicular traffic during the Exposition,” Parrikar informed a large gathering.
PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said the four-laning project is designed to serve as a pilot project of national highways, based on which other highways will be planned.
Dhavalikar outlined that several problems are being faced, particularly from the Banastarim to Old Goa stretch and Banastarim to Kundaim stretch, but exuded confidence that these will be solved amicably.
“The main problem, however, lies in Bhoma where we will hold discussions with the locals and find a solution,” Dhavalikar stated and sought cooperation from the people.
MLA Wagh said the NH4A bypass road serves as a focal point for the constituencies of Panjim, Taleigao, St Cruz and St Andre, and hence will be a huge boon for people.
Heaping praise on CM and PWD Minister, Cumbharjua MLA Madkaikar requested the people of Corlim to, at least, part with 7.5 metres of land to make the project a success. “For development, sacrifices are needed,” he said while adding that widening of this road is important to reduce accidents.
Principal Chief Engineer D J S Borker, Principal Secretary Parimal Rai, Chief Engineer U P Parsekar, St Francis Xavier Exposition Committee convenor Fr Alfred Vaz, sarpanchas, panchas and others were present.
