PANJIM Though the fact the Miramar-Dona Paula road is partially open for one-way traffic, the complete renovation of the entire scenic stretch project worth Rs 73 crore will not see the days of 2015, with just nine days to end the year. Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) a state-run corporation who has engaged the private contractor for construction of this new concrete road has already failed half a dozen deadlines to complete the work.
However, contractor M V Rao has now said the road from Miramar circle to Caranzalem will be complete by January 15, 2016 and remaining portion of 1.1 kilometers which is pending due to the sewerage and water pipeline underground work will be ready by 60 days once they give them possession.
“The road from Dona Paula jetty to Caranzalem which is 1.1 kilometer of stretch will be ready within 60 days once these departments give us the possession after they complete their work, otherwise the remaining portion from Caranzalem to Miramar will be completed by January 15, 2016 max”, M V Rao said.
With the Christmas and new year ,there will be heavy tourists inflow who will be visiting Panjim. The incomplete stretch of 4.5 kilometers has not only put locals in inconvenience but also disappointed tourists who were visiting Dona Paula jetty.
The controversial concrete road construction work commenced in February 2014, almost 22 months have been completed and the GSIDC is struggling to complete the work within the deadline on end of this year. The said project was also halted for some time after High Court order following the Public Interest Litigation claiming it will be a wasteful expenditure.
M V Rao has informed that except 1.1 kilometer, stretch the rest will be ready by January 15 with all facilities and amenities which were proposed in the plan of construction which includes pavements, sitting arrangements, parking, streetlights, landscaping, cycle track, walkway, green area etc.
The said stretch was also in the controversy after it developed the cracks before it could allow the traffic. Herald in the past has first reported about the said cracks which were developed exactly at 15 places, more than a inch gap was also noticed during an inspection. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had personally visited the site with all the officials, the contractor and the consultant. The CM also ordered a probe in to the cracks on the new concrete road through the Chief Secretary of Goa.
The delay in the completion of work will not cause too much of inconvenience to the tourist now, since he major stretch has now become motorable. But the delays had disappointed tourists in the past two years and portrayed a sorry state of the state’s infrastructure.
According to GSIDC website though the construction work of said stretch is ‘48% completed’ whereas 52% is still pending.
