THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The third Mandovi bridge will be ready between January and March next year, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari said.
Gadkari, who is in Goa for a 2-day review meeting of the ongoing nationwide National Highway projects, on Tuesday witnessed the topping out ceremony of the third Mandovi bridge in Panaji.
The topping out activity completes the entire 620 m cable-stayed length of the over 5 km long bridge which connects the capital city of Panaji to Porvorim carrying the National Highway NH 17 over the tidal part of River Mandovi.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said, with the completion of the topping out activity, over 85% of the bridge construction work has been completed. The Minister said the Rs 800 crore iconic bridge has got for Goa the distinction of being the 3rd longest cable-stayed bridge in India. Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has financed 50% of the estimated cost of the bridge amounting to about Rs 450 crores.
Gadkari also spoke of the projects which he has achieved and those that are in the pipeline.
Interacting with the media on the occasion, the Minister complimented the state government for expeditious completion of the construction activity saying the bridge completion is the fulfilment of the dream project of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Gadkari said his Ministry is racing against time to complete the Zuari bridge by December 2018.
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