PANAJI
The cost of the under-construction third Mandovi Bridge is likely to rise by around `50-crore after the state government has decided to add an additional ramp on the Panaji side.
While the positioning, and who the ramp will service is yet unclear, Parrikar suggested that it would help the people travelling to the city from Panaji bypass to the existing traffic circle at the exit of the Kadamba bus stand.
Parrikar was however, keen on insisting that the cost of the interest that the state government will have to pay, should not be included in the cost of the bridge.
“We have decided to add a ramp. That should take the cost up by `50-60 crore besides any other accessory devices that were not part of the original plan of the bridge,” Parrikar said.
“It will help people coming in from Ponda to enter the city,” Parrikar said.
He claimed that the work on the bridge has quickened after he took charge as chief minister and he is calling for fortnightly meetings to review the progress of all projects related to national highways in Goa which has helped spur the pace of the work.
The four-lane cable stayed third Mandovi bridge had an initial target of three years with the foundation stone being laid back in June 2014. It is, however, expected to miss its target by one year.
While the authorities blame the activists who raised environmental and procedural concerns before the National Green Tribunal, the NGT didn’t grant any stay on the project allowing the work to continue even as it sought that due procedures be followed.
