VIKRAM NAYAK
TG: What is the status of the new Zuari bridge project and when is it expected to be completed?
AJ: As far as the status of the project is concerned, the project is 70% complete. There are three contracts in the entire package of the main project.
The contract of the stretch between Verna and Cortalim Junction will be completed by September 2020. The second package, the main cable-stayed bridge will completed by December 2020. The third package, which was initially delayed as we struggled for over 2 years for land acquisition, involves dismantling of existing structure and it is also likely to be completed by December 2020. After these three contracts are over in December, there is one small bridge to be constructed in December 2020 and it will be completed by February 2021. So in all, the entire project will be completed by February 2021.
TG: What is the status of the
Service Road?
AJ: The Service Road was basically a part of our contract but land for the Service Road was to have been provided by authorities. The traffic is high and working with live traffic is definitely not advisable and above all, the lives of commuters is more important than anything else. So, having a Service Road is not only necessary but mandatory. The PWD has tied up with KRCL and taken the land for the purpose and have asked DBL to construct the road. There are a few minor permissions that need to be granted and hopefully, the permissions will be ready by next week and we will start construction of the Service Road.
TG: How dangerous is it to have traffic moving below the Zuari bridge works, especially given stiff opposition from people over the closure of road between Cortalim circle and Kesarval during the day?
AJ: As far as the time when wings are being installed, we do not allow any traffic movement along the roads beneath it. In fact, if there is traffic we stop the works. Safety is more important but however once the Service Road is ready and traffic is diverted, there will be no issues. The Service Road will be completed within a month and by December-end, we may have a Service Road ready for movement of traffic.
As far as repairs of potholes on the stretch of road between Cortalim circle and Agassaim is concerned, we have already done it. With incessant monsoons, patch-up and potholes filling could not be carried out. During the monsoon, we attempted to patch up with concrete, but with concrete requiring days to settle down and constant monsoons, it could not be done and got washed away. After monsoons, we have repaired the entire stretch now.
TG: Has DBL faced any difficulty obtaining permissions for the Service Road or any other aspects of the project?
AJ: We have never faced any difficulty and in fact the state administration has been extremely helpful. They are helping us a lot in getting the permissions. In particular, I would like to thank Chief Minister Pramod Sawant because he has taken personal effort to ensure that things move fast. I would like to thank Goa, Goans and the Goa’s state administration for extending us all the timely help in this project.
