Gadkari to inaugurate bridge; expected to provide relief for commuters
PANAJI
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to inaugurate at 6 pm on Thursday one arm of the new eight-lane bridge over the Zuari river, which will be thrown open to traffic thereafter.
The Right Hand Side (RHS) corridor of the new cable-stayed bridge built by Dilip Buildcon with Central funding is expected to provide some relief for commuters between North and South Goa who have for several years faced traffic snarls negotiating the old bridge amid ongoing work of the new bridge.
Gadkari will inaugurate the bridge with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presiding over the function.
Union Minister Shripad Naik, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and the MLAs of Cortalim and St Andre -- Antonio Vas and Viresh Borkar -- are listed as special guests at the inaugural function.
Over the last week or so the State government had come under severe criticism for refusing to throw the bridge open to traffic despite it being ready amidst the chaotic traffic situation on either side of the river.
The stretch between Agassaim and Cortalim had been witnessing massive traffic snarls for some days attributed to two reasons: a larger footfall of tourists for the Christmas weekend and the decision of the State government to open the new bridge for public viewing.
About a week ago, Sawant and PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral had inspected the completed arm of the bridge and announced that it will be opened on December 26 by Gadkari. Hours later, however, the date of the inauguration was postponed by three days to Thursday, ostensibly due to the unavailability of Gadkari.
