MARGAO
The commercial capital’s eastern side, the congested Aquem Power House-Rawanfond area is finally set for a major turnaround, thanks to the government’s decision to tone up the infrastructure at a cost of around Rs 75 crore, including the construction of the proposed six-lane Rawanfond bridge.
This became evident on Friday when the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) floated a tender to build the six-lane Rawanfond bridge at Rs 54.13 crore.
That’s not all. GSIDC General Manager Jude Carvalho informed that two other projects -- Khareband-Rawanfond bridge and Aquem Power House-Apollo hospital road -- will be spruced up and the traffic junctions re-aligned at Rs 15 crore.
And, if these two projects go well, the government has plans to set up a food court near the Power House junction, but in Phase - III.
The tender six-lane Rawanfond bridge is expected to permanently resolve the traffic snarls along the city’s eastern side.
The GSIDC General Manager told The Goan that the Rs 54-crore six-lane bridge will be taken up in two phases.
“In the first phase, the GSIDC will build the first three lanes and then go for the remaining three, but after razing down the existing two-lane bridge,” he said.
Saying that it would have taken around 10-12 months to complete a normal six-lane bridge, Jude, however, said the Rawanfond bridge will consume time because of the rail traffic passing under the bridge.
“Around 80 trains pass under the bridge every day. We have to constantly obtain permissions from the railway authorities not only at the time of demolition of the existing bridge but also while executing the work,” he said.
He added: “The PWD, water supply will be also requested to draw up a plan to shift the water pipeline from the existing bridge before the demolition.”
He said both Rawanfond and the Power House junctions will be realigned in line with the new proposed six-lane bridge.
“Funds is not an issue for the execution of the bridge and the development of the Khareband-Rawanfond road and the Power House junction-Aquem railway station road,” he said adding the government has given all the nods, including the financial approval to take up these works on priority.
Digambar says process to resolve Sonsodo imbroglio set in motion
MARGAO:
Days after he returned to the BJP after 17 years, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat on Friday said the process to resolve the Sonsodo imbroglio has been set in motion and that Goa Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) will float the tender for a multi-level parking lot in the commercial capital.
The Congress-turned-BJP MLA further said the GSIDC has floated the tender for the construction of a six-lane Rawanfond flyover, which will permanently resolve the traffic snarls on the city’s eastern side.
Addressing the media along with Margao Municipal Council Acting Chairperson Deepali Sawal and BJP-backed councillors, Kamat said a Margao Municipal Junior Engineer has been posted at Sonsodo, adding that the Goa Waste Management Corporation would soon depute a staff for monitoring at Sosnodo.
“I just had a meeting with senior officials, including the Urban Development Secretary, wherein it has been decided to set in motion the process to resolve the Sonsodo imbroglio within 15 days. Waste Management Minister Atanasio Monserrate had announced to set up two garbage treatment plants at Sonsodo and the process has been set in motion,” he said.
On the long-delayed multi-level parking proposed by the Margao council, Kamat said he has a review meeting with GSUDA officials and it has been decided to hold a presentation of the parking plan on Monday.
“After the MMC had entrusted GSUDA to execute the parking project, the consultant appointed by the agency made some changes. The changes will be incorporated in the final plan before a presentation is held for the stakeholders,” he added.
BJP leadership to decide on candidate for MMC chief post: Margao MLA
MARGAO:
Congress-turned-BJP Margao MLA Digambar Kamat on Friday conceded that the BJP leadership will take a collective decision while zeroing in on the candidate for the vacant post of Margao Municipal Council chairperson.
He further asserted that election for the post of will be held as per the Goa Municipalities Act, saying those violating the provisions of the Act concerning election will have to face strictures.
Kamat further said that he has nothing to say about reports on his induction into the Cabinet or a Cabinet reshuffle, saying: “The media has even reported that I am the Chief Minister in waiting. What can I say about my induction in the Cabinet or whether the Cabinet will be reshuffled.”
When the media sought to know when will the BJP finalise its candidate for the vacant post of MMC chairperson, the Margao MLA shot back: “I am not alone now. I am part of the BJP. Party leaders will take a call on all questions along with me.”
