PANAJI
In a bid to counter the allegations by the Congress Party that there are flaws in the construction of the Patto-Mala bridge, the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has clarified that only one of the two lanes has been presently constructed and that a gap is deliberately kept for services.
"The bridge has two lanes of 7m each with a footpath of 2.1m on either side. There is a gap of 3m between the two lanes which shall be used to accommodate services such as water pipeline, sewage, high tension electrical lines, telecom and street lighting," the GSIDC said in a statement.
"At present construction activities for Lane 1 is in progress. The laying of the expansion joints as well as work for provision of crash barrier is in progress on site. The work is carried out under supervision by maintaining proper quality. The bridge deck slab is constructed by using M45 grade concrete," the GSIDC said.
On Wednesday, Congress leader Girish Chodankar along with his partymen carried out an inspection of the bridge and alleged that the bridge was tilting to one side, the alignment was incorrect and that the bridge would cause traffic congestion.
The GSIDC however said that the bridge is being built as per the masterplan designed by LKS India.
"After the new water supply line is laid and connected to the existing line on either side of the creek, the existing water supply line along with the steel bridge crossing the creek will be dismantled.
Lane 2 will be constructed after dismantling of the existing water supply line, and its supporting steel bridge," the GSIDC said.
The GSIDC has said that the estimated cost of work was Rs 23,64,70,437.00 and that the work was awarded to Contractor M/s. Larsen and Toubro Ltd for Rs. 24,24,41,097.11 which is below reasonable cost of Rs 26,71,46,122.45.
