Team Herald
MARGAO: The locals and commuters on Monday urged the government not to delay the commencement of work pertaining to the overbridge at Rawanfond, as the conditions get worse day by day.
Recently, even Margao MLA Digambar Kamat had stated that the overbridge over here may fall at any time.
He had told reporters that the re-tendering to build the six-lane bridge at Rawanfond has been already initiated and expectations are that bids will come within the next few days.
“Rawanfond overbridge has gone weak, as pipelines, besides cables, are seen lying on the bridge. Once the construction of the six-lane bridge over here is completed it is expected to permanently resolve the traffic snarls along the town’s eastern side,” Kamat said.
It is pertinent to note that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has floated a tender to build a six-lane bridge at Rawanfond with an estimated cost of nearly 54.13 crore.
Several trains pass under the bridge on a daily basis. Water pipeline on the existing bridge can be witnessed and the Public Works Department will need to shift this line before commencement of the six-lane bridge.
As per the plans, Rs 54-crore six-lane bridge will be taken up in two phases. In the first phase, the GSIDC will build the first three lanes and then go for the remaining three, but after razing down the existing bridge.
Constancio Fernandes, a resident of Rawanfond told Herald that the government or the department concerned must expedite the process of formalities so that work started at the earliest.
“This overbridge at Rawanfond needs urgent attention. It will lead to major hardships if something goes wrong with the existing bridge,” he stated.
Commuters too are of the opinion that heavy vehicles run on the bridge on a regular basis and there is no safety if some portion of the bridge gets damaged.
“We have heard that the project has been re-tendered, however, the government needs to take this issue seriously, as it is a matter of concern to all, including the major traffic problem,” said Ketan Dessai, a commuter.
