The recent incident of ferry breakdown has forced government to look for alternatives for the daily commuters travelling across Panjim-Betim route. But what is interesting is the two State government authorities — River Navigation and Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) — have different plans in the making.
While the River Navigation Department is proposing construction of a cable-stayed swing pedestrian bridge from Panjim to Betim, GSIDC is planning new bridge for two and four wheelers. If both work out, then there will be total five bridges across River Mandovi — two already existing and third one in construction stage.
Last month, a ferryboat plying on the Panjim-Betim route with passengers drifted away by the strong winds and could not manoeuvre itself due to the presence of a number of vessels anchored in the navigational channel.
River Navigation Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar was the first to announce construction of cable-stayed bridge, following another announcement from GSIDC Vice Chairman Siddharth Kuncolienkar.
Dhavalikar said that the department proposed to construct a bridge between the ferry wharfs on the lines of a small cable-stayed swing pedestrian bridge that exists across River Thames in London. He said that the ferry services will be stopped once the proposed bridge is constructed, which will be in next one year’s time.
“Why we need vehicular bridge, when there are already two bridges and the third one will be ready by next year?” the Minister questioned.
However, the department is yet to receive direction from the Minister for drafting any such proposal.
On the other hand, GSIDC vice chairman claims that the department has already sent a fresh proposal to the State government for the construction of an additional bridge for two and four wheelers.
“Currently, there are four ferry services operational and it is overcrowded. The need for a bridge was felt to cater to the thousands of people who otherwise use the ferry services everyday and help improve connectivity with the capital city,” Kuncolienkar said.
“The distance is around 600 metres between the two banks. We have forwarded a proposal to construct a bridge for light vehicles along this route. No final decision is taken,” the former Panjim MLA had said.
When told about the River Navigation Department’s proposal of a cable-stayed bridge, BJP leader said “it will be a combined project”.
It can be recalled that Government in the past had rejected a similar proposal in the ground that it is already constructing third bridge over river Mandovi.
