MAPUSA
Despite commencing around the same time as the5.15-km Porvorim elevated corridor in June 2024, the four-lane Assonora bypasshas fallen behind schedule, with only 75 per cent of the work completed andcommissioning now expected only by the end of December this year.
In comparison, the far more complex Porvorimelevated corridor is nearing completion and is expected to be opened to trafficin September.
The 2.92-km Assonora bypass, being constructedto decongest the busy State Highway-1 corridor, was originally scheduled forcompletion by September 25. However, the deadline has been pushed backfollowing the addition of new works and other unforeseen hurdles duringexecution.
Public Works Department (PWD) officials saidnearly three-fourths of the project has been completed.
Being executed by MVR Construction Pvt Ltd atan estimated cost of Rs 162 crore, the bypass will connect Sirsaim (Tivim) andMulgao through a four-lane highway designed for speeds of up to 100 kmph,providing faster movement for passenger and commercial traffic.
PWD Executive Engineer Gajanan Desai said theremaining work is progressing and the department expects to commission theproject by the end of the year. "We expect the work to be completed andthe bypass will be commissioned by December-end this year," Desai said.
Officials said piling work for the last30-metre major bridge has been completed, while only the deck slab workremains. The project cost is also likely to increase owing to additional worksundertaken after construction began.
According to PWD officials, the delay wasmainly caused by the inclusion of three additional minor bridges followingpublic demand, although these were not part of the original contract. Progresswas also affected by the relocation of a house that stood in the way ofconstructing the project's 125-metre major bridge.
The bypass will feature an 11-metre-widefour-lane carriageway with paved and earthen shoulders. The project includes a125-metre major bridge, a 30-metre major bridge, two flyovers, four minorbridges, seven box culverts, one pipe culvert and about 1.3 km of service roadson either side.
Once completed, the Assonora bypass isexpected to significantly reduce congestion on SH-1 and adjoining villageroads, while improving regional connectivity and cutting travel time and fuelconsumption for commuters and freight operators.
