MAPUSA
The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has decided to float for the fourth time the consultancy bid for the Tar Bridge hoping to fast track the construction of the four-lane bridge across the Mapusa river.
A four-lane bridge of 30-metre span is expected to be built across the Tar River which includes channelization, protective measures, illumination and construction of traffic islands on both sides of the bridge.
A senior official with the GSIDC informed that as per plans, the existing Tar bridge across the Mapusa River will be demolished and a new four-lane bridge will come up in its place at an estimated cost of Rs 5 to 8 crore.
“We floated the consultancy bid for the bridge on three occasions but failed to get any response. We are now issuing the notice for the fourth time and hoping to get a response,” the senior official informed.
He said the low cost of the project appears to be the only reason for consultants refraining from applying for the bid.
At least one kiosk on the church side of the bridge and the frontage of a bar and restaurant on the other side of the bridge will face the axe to make way for the bridge.
Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza informed that he was hoping to start work on the Tar bridge before the term of the current assembly ends.
“It’s not a very big project in terms of size but it’s a crucial one for the people of Mapusa and Aldona. Due to the increase in traffic, there is tremendous demand for the bridge from the locals,” D’Souza said.
He said once the work on the bridge is taken up it can be completed within six months.
He further said that one of the two-lane bridges will be constructed first and only then the present single-lane bridge will be demolished and work on the other two-lane bridge will be taken up in its place.
The present single lane Tar bridge witnessed constant traffic jams on account of its narrow width. The new bridge is expected to reduce the pressure of traffic inflow.
