Tender floated for new bridge across Mandovi

TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has floated tenders for a new bridge across River Mandovi, Panjim and flyovers at Porvorim and Karaswada an exercise to augment infrastructure for the State.

At a time when the government is in a tearing hurry to have a new bridge over River Zuari, the latest development for a new bridge over River Mandovi has sprung a huge surprise with a target set for completing the new bridge within a period of 30 months.

According to tenders floated by the corporation on Saturday, the bridge is proposed to connect Porvorim –Merces with approach roads on NH17 between Pundalik Nagar junction (Porvorim ) and Merces Junction. The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 355 crore.

The tenders floated online also invites bidders for proposed flyovers between Karaswada junction and O’Coqueiro on NH17. The projects are estimated to cost Rs 50 crore.

While the bridge across River Mandovi is slated to be completed within 30 months from the time of issue of work orders, the flyover project is slated to be completed within one year from the time of issue of work orders.

While tendering documents would be available on-line from Tuesday, January 28, 2014, the tenders are proposed to be opened on February 17, 2014.

Chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who heads the GSIDC, had earlier this week hinted at two new projects in North Goa estimated to the tune of Rs 400 crore.

Porvorim correspondent adds: Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar on Sunday stated that the proposed flyover form Gauri car petrol pump in Porvorim to Merces and another at O’Coqueiro circle will ease traffic congestion.

Parulekar was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the construction of pathway from O’Coqueiro circle to Amrekarnath temple at Porvorim in the presence of Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nilesh Cabral and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte.

“The construction of Porvorim pathway from O’Coqueiro circle to Amrekarnath temple costing Rs 4.46 crore is a part of beautification of Saligao project and it will be completed within 240 days,” informed Parulekar.

“The project comprises 2.85 width for 1.30 kms with landscaping, horticulture, benches, development of open areas for public utility and service conduits. Illumination at the Porvorim junction and road leading to Calangute upto Mahadev temple, a length of 1.3 kms both the sides, will also be undertaken under this project,” said Parulekar.

“There is rise in tourists to the extent of about 12.5% and hence there is a need to improve infrastructure to attract more tourists in Goa. The Tourism Department has undertaken about 30 to 35 new projects in the State. The traffic on the portion of National Highway 17 from Mandovi bridge to Guirim has increased many folds in recent years,” he added.

“Hence, the State government proposes to construct a flyover form Gauri car petrol pump in Porvorim to Merces and another at O’Coqueiro circle to ease traffic congestion,” said Parulekar.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nilesh Cabral and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte also spoke on the occasion.