PANAJI
The Goa government has updated the High Court of Bombay at Goa that the proposed pedestrian overbridge connecting the Patto multi-level parking facility with the Santa Monica Jetty has already been dropped after being found unfeasible.
The authorities instead proposed to improve and beautify the existing underpass, as the submission was made before the Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Hiten Venegavkar.
During the hearing, the Bench was told that the existing underpass provides safe and adequate pedestrian access between the parking facility and the riverside terminal. However, it is not pedestrian-friendly and is rarely used. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) then submitted that improving and beautifying the underpass instead of pursuing the overbridge project.
The proposed overbridge was originally conceived to connect the multi-level parking facility on Dayanand Bandodkar Road with the riverside terminal building and the Mandovi river cruise boarding jetty, as the stretch witnesses heavy tourist footfall.
The government, however, updated the Court that the proposal has since been abandoned after it was found to be unfeasible. The matter has been posted for further hearing on September 28, with the Bench appointing Advocate Nigel Costa Frias Amicus Curiae to assist the Court by examining proposals and suggesting measures, with or without modifications, to improve pedestrian movement and ease traffic congestion in the area.
The issue has been under the High Court’s scrutiny since 2024, when it initiated suo motu proceedings after taking cognisance of traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns at both ends of the twin Patto bridges, one of Panaji’s busiest entry and exit points.
