SALIGAO
The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has decided to repair and beautify the Betim jetty.
GSIDC Vice-Chairperson Siddharth Kuncolienkar along with Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar recently visited Betim and inspected the Betim jetty.
During the visit, Parulekar told Kunkoliekar that the Betim jetty was sinking and it needed urgent repairs. The height of the jetty needs to be raised like that of Panaji jetty, which has been constructed recently.
“There are several shops near Betim jetty. Tourists also visit this place regularly. But there are no toilet facilities at Betim jetty. Further, as the main road is narrow, the area witnesses traffic congestion during peak hours. Taking all these factors into consideration, the Betim jetty needs a facelift,” said Parulekar.
After inspecting the site, Kuncolienkar directed GSIDC architect Chirag Jain to prepare estimates for repairs and beautification of the jetty and said the jetty can be converted into a tourist spot.
“All the shops will have to be shifted and re-aligned. There is a need to construct bus bays. Lot of people are travelling by Betim-Panaji ferry route daily and during peak hours, one ferry cannot handle the traffic. One more ferry could be introduced along the route,” he said.
“There is one more ferry ramp towards the left hand side of the jetty, which could be utilized for additional ferry. The beautification plan will include railings, electricity poles, lighting fixtures, public amenities, including toilets and parking,” added Kuncolienkar.
