PANAJI
The third bridge over river Mandovi, Atal Setu, which was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari remains in controversy since its opening. This new bridge was expected to reduce the traffic at key entry points to Panaji however, much to people’s dismay, the controversial bridge has attracted a lot of negative attention, including the cost which went double by the time it got completed. Built by Larsen and Toubro (L&T), the initial cost of Rs 482 crore was escalated to Rs 860 crore. Currently, Atal Setu is again in talks as it needs repairs.
The PWD minister Nilesh Cabral, when asked whether the Atal Setu needs repairs and if the construction was not up to mark, replied to the media that the bridge has a defect liability period of three years. “Atal Setu is under the defect liability period and once the period is done (over) then only we will take it over. If it is still under the defect liability period we will not take it over.”
When asked if there are defects, the PWD minister said, “No. The Defect Liability Period is very ascertaining. If there is an issue of workmanship then it has to be rectified by the project proponent, whosoever has constructed it, be it GSIDC or L&T. The issue is in the Madras IIT. They will look into the matter and tell what to improve in the structure.”
Of late there have been a lot of accidents happening on Atal Setu, and when pointed out to these incidents, Cabral ascertained that even though he may be a technical person, he should not be commenting on something he is not aware of. “If IIT Madras has been given the job, they will give the report, if the construction was hasty or whatever the status is. IIT Madras will give us the report and we will give it to GSIDC.” Cabral, however, did not comment on the increased number of accidents on this bridge.
The PWD minister also expressed ignorance on the road digging in the monsoon, from Cortalim to Vasco and said he will look into the matter. When pointed out that there are many potholes on this road and why the road has been dug up during this time of the year, Cabral said, “I don’t know why the road has been dug and who has dug it. I will look into the matter.”
