Four-lane bypass project to cost Rs 160 crore, to be completed within 18 months
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Fisheries Minister Neelkanth Halarnkar, Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye, Mayem MLA Premendra Shet and others during the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the Assonora-Mulgao bypass.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA/BICHOLIM
In a significant development aimed at improving road infrastructure and connectivity in North Goa, the foundation stone for the Assonora four-lane bypass project was laid in a grand ceremony on Wednesday.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant laid the foundation stone for the Assonora-Mulgao bypass in the presence of Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Fisheries Minister Neelkanth Halarnkar, Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye, Mayem MLA Premendra Shet and others.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 160 crore, is poised to significantly enhance travel between the Bardez and Bicholim talukas, addressing longstanding issues of traffic congestion and road safety in the region.
The bypass, which spans 2.9 kms and will be named after first martyr in Goa freedom struggle Bala Raya Mapari, a strategic infrastructure initiative designed to streamline the flow of traffic along State Highway 1, connecting the areas of Sirsaim (Tivim) and Mulgao.
The construction contract for this ambitious project has been awarded to MVR Construction Pvt Ltd, with the completion timeline set at 18 months.
The Assonora bypass is set to begin in Sirsaim, a locality within the Tivim constituency, and will extend to Mulgao, seamlessly integrating with the existing road network. The project is not merely a road expansion but a comprehensive upgrade that includes several crucial infrastructural elements which includes a bridge over the Assonora River and an underpass for Shirgao Road.
Additionally, cattle passes will be constructed as the bypass cuts through agricultural fields, addressing the needs of local farmers.
The event was held along State Highway 1, marking a significant milestone in the state's infrastructure development efforts.
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of the new bypass in improving regional connectivity and easing the traffic woes of Assonora village.
"This crucial infrastructure project will provide a smoother and faster travel experience for commuters, significantly enhancing the link between Bardez and Bicholim," Sawant stated.
He emphasised that the bypass would not only reduce travel time but also alleviate the chronic traffic congestion that has plagued the existing State Highway 1.
Sawant also highlighted his government’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development, noting that robust infrastructure is essential for supporting the state's economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
The bypass, funded by the State government, has been designed in accordance with guidelines from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Addressing longstanding issues
The existing State Highway 1, which stretches from Karraswaddo-Mapusa to Sankhali, has long been identified as an accident-prone zone, particularly due to its narrow sections that struggle to accommodate the growing volume of traffic.
As construction progresses, the bypass is anticipated to become a vital artery in North Goa's road network, enhancing connectivity between Bardez and Bicholim and supporting the state's broader economic and infrastructural development goals.
Allaying concerns
The chief minister also took the opportunity to reassure people that the proposed construction of waste processing plant at Kudchirem-Bicholim is a non-polluting project.
He said it is important to understand the nature of the project and added that opposing government projects for the sake of opposition is detrimental to the State’s development.
He also mentioned that a primary health centre would be set up in Assonora.
