PONDA: Locals in Ponda taluka have demanded immediate consternation of a parallel bridge across River Zuari at Borim and in place of the broken Portuguese-era Bailey bridge.
The citizens say that, presently, the traffic on the existing bridge at Borim has become heavy after the closure of the bridge at Cortalim for heavy vehicles. The present Borim bridge is the main link between Ponda and Margao, as such, the load on the bridge has increased many fold.
It is instructive that the National Highway Authorities have off the record said that some proposals have been sent to the Central Government for its approval. However, the citizens demand an official announcement on the construction of a parallel bridge at Borim.
According to former Borim sarpanch Sunil Sawkar, this bridge is important not only for Ponda residents but also for the entire South Goa.
“This bridge connects Ponda with South Goa. Therefore, the government should construct a parallel bridge at the earliest as the existing bridge cannot carry the increasing,” Sawkar said.
Vinod Naik, a daily commuter through the bridge, said, “When government is constructing new bridges across Mandovi and Zuvari at Cortalim, it should also build a parallel bridge at Borim, as this is equally important.”
