Team Herald
PORVORIM: The Goa government has informed the House that suggestions and objections pertaining to the Western by-pass, which was about to complete by December 28, 2017, has resulted in overrunning of the total cost and change in the scope of work.
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Answering to a starred question by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, the PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar’s mentioned that total length of the western bypass project is 11.90 kms out of which 5.90 kms is complete and opened for traffic. The balance work is targeted to complete by September 28, 2021. His written reply also states that the stretch of 2.75 kms is pending for which work order will be issued shortly to the appointed agency.
When Sardesai sought to know if any provision has been made to construct any part of it in Salcete on stilts, the answer was affirmative. “There is already a provision in the ongoing work of Western Bypass to cover stretches with stilts at required locations, the work of which is underway. The additional funds required for balance work is Rs. 173.26cr out of which Ministry’s share is 40.00cr. The balance funds will be provided by the State Government. Request to reimburse State contribution will be taken up with the Ministry,” said Pauskar.
However, no assurance was given on the floor of the House regarding part of the Western Bypass being constructed on stilts and the action taken thereon. Pauskar said that demand of locals for sufficient water passage has been already considered in the ongoing work.
The government also informed the House that there is no provision for flyover in the balance work to be done shortly. However there is provision for ROB at railway crossing, four vehicular under passes to cover major junctions, installation of signals at major crossings and illumination of the entire western bypass stretch. A Letter of Acceptance is already issued and work order will be given very shortly.
Pauskar further divulged that the entire Western Bypass can be opened to traffic only after completion of balance work which will take 18 months from the date of issue of work order.
“The objections / suggestions resulted in change in scope of work and subsequent cost overrun,” the minister said giving details of the same.
