VALPOI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday stated that the new Savarde bridge will enhance emergency response capabilities and promote tourism, further accelerating the development of Sattari.
He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the new bridge at Savarde in Sattari taluka, in the presence of Health Minister and local MLA Vishwajit Rane, Poriem MLA and Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation Deviya Rane, Zilla Panchayat members Premnath Dalvi, Namdev Chari, Nilesh Parwar and Samiksha Naik, Sarpanch Akshita Gaonkar, and other panchayat representatives and officials.
The Savarde bridge will mark a major step toward strengthening connectivity and boosting regional development. It will replace the 50-year-old structure and is expected to significantly improve transport efficiency, while opening new opportunities for rural growth.
The 304-metre-long bridge is expected to be completed within a year and at a cost of Rs 30 crore.
At present, motorists and commuters travelling between Savarde and Valpoi have to take an 18-km route passing through Khadki, Velguem and Nanus. Once completed, the new Savarde bridge will reduce the distance between Savarde and Valpoi by about 15 kms.
Sawant said the project reflects the government’s long-term vision. He noted that the 304-metre-long bridge will enhance emergency response capabilities and promote tourism, adding that development plans are being implemented with a vision.
He also announced that a new higher secondary school building in Valpoi will be constructed soon.
The chief minister appealed to people not to be misled by opposition claims, stating that the government is focused on comprehensive infrastructure, human, and social development.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane dismissed speculations regarding differences within the leadership and reaffirmed unity in working for Goa’s progress, adding that the people of Sattari strongly support the development agenda.
Poriem MLA Deviya Rane described the bridge as “not just a structure of cement, but a link connecting people and villages,” calling it the fulfilment of a 25-year-old dream of residents.
