MAPUSA
If there are no more delays in deadlines, motorists could cruise along the NH66 by the end of this year.
The ongoing work on NH66 from Patradevi to Verna, including the four-lane section of the signature Zuari Bridge, is expected to be completed by December 19.
PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar on Thursday informed that most of the work on NH66 was expected to be completed by May end this year but due to the pandemic the deadlines shifted by another three to four months.
“Except for the stretch from Alto-Porvorim to the Atal Sethu Bridge, the ongoing work on NH66 from Patradevi to Verna, including a four-lane section of the Zuari Bridge, will be completed before December 19,” Pawaskar said.
The PWD Minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a stone laying function for the beautification of the road stretch from Parra Tinto to Verla-Canca circle. Ports Minister Michael Lobo was also present.
Pauskar informed that work on the stretch from Alto Porvorim to Atal Sethu Bridge will be delayed as some locals had objected to the height of the elevated corridor on the stretch.
“Some locals from Porvorim objected to the elevated corridor and approached the court. We have now sent a fresh detailed project report to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) by increasing the height of the elevated corridor from 5.5 metre to 7 metre,” he said.
He further said that once the Centre gives a go-ahead to the plan, it will take at least another one-and-half year to complete that stretch of work.
“We expect to get sanction for the renewed project report on the elevated corridor after the monsoons,” he added.
