MARGAO
Work on the 2.9 km long balance stretch of the western bypass along the Seraulim-Benaulim-Navelim stretch is progressing in a fast mode after the High Court questioned the PWD, National Highway and the contractor why the contractor needs time till September to complete the ongoing work.
A visit to the Benaulim stretch of the western bypass revealed that work is going on at fast pace along the Tolleaband lake and along the Benaulim-Mungul stretch of the bypass.
Fleet of trucks are working round the clock at the site, dumping mud for raising the earthen embankment along the Tolleaband lake, where farmers as well as Benaulim villagers had been demanding construction of the bypass on stilts.
Work on the two underpasses on the Benaulim-Varca road near Mercado mall and the Khareband bridge-Pedda road stands complete with traffic now plying through the underpasses.
The brisk pace of work on the site gives an indication that the PWD, NH and the contractor is aiming to complete as much work as possible on the balance portion of the bypass before the next date of hearing.
When The Goan called up a senior PWD, NH official to shed light on the question whether the PWD has set any deadline on the contractor to complete the work when the September deadline did not find favour with the High Court, the senior official pointed out that the contractor has been told to expedite the work on the balance
portion.
“The PWD, NH and the contractor will make a submission on the progress of work and the time required for the completion. It is for the High Court to take a call on setting the deadline to complete the project,” the official added.
While work on the balance stretch is progressing on a fast pace, the official said some delay may take place, especially on the stretch at Mungul where the bypass is being built on stilts over the railway line.
Incidentally, while the Seraulim stretch of the western bypass, beginning from the wholesale fish market, is being built on stilts following directions from the National Green Tribunal, the Mungul-Benaulim stretch of the bypass is taking shape through massive earthen embankments through the flood plains of river Sal.
