GUILHERME ALMEIDArMARGAOrr While the present condition of the flyover is not all that good, there’s no immediate plan to take up its upkeep and maintenance on topmost priority. And, the repair of the bridge and replacement of the worn out rubber expansion joints may see light of the day only after a consultant submits a report on the state of affairs of the flyover. r Inquiries by The Goan, however, have revealed that the consultant report may not come in the near future since he is expected to inspect not just the flyover, but several other bridges on the NH1-7 in both Goa and Maharashtra. r The Goan understands that the PWD, NH-17 division, had prepared an estimate of around Rs 35 lakh for the replacement of the rubber expansion joints all along the flyover. While most of the rubber expansion joints need replacement due to wear and tear, one of the rubber joints on the Navelim side of the flyover has been stolen by miscreants. r A senior official in the know informed that the expansion joints need immediate replacement not only in the interest of the motorists, but taking into consideration the danger the damaged expansion joints can pose to the flyover in the long run. r Inquiries have further revealed that the PWD, NH-17 division, estimate file forwarded to higher officials for approval has been sent back to the NH division with a remark that work on the replacement of the joints and the filling of potholes will be taken up by the government only after the receipt of report from the consultant appointed to inspect the bridges along the highway in both Goa and Maharashtra. “This only goes on to imply that replacement of the joints and the overall maintenance of the flyover will take place only after the receipt of the consultant’s report,” the official told The Goan. r That’s not all. The government’s recent circular banning outsourcing of work pertaining to filling of potholes may further delay in ensuring a smooth ride on the flyover. “We have been told not to outsource repair work such as patching potholes and that these works should be taken up departmentally. But neither do we have machinery such as a road roller nor the tar to take up the work departmentally,” the official remarked. r What’s significant to note is the fact that the Margao flyover has been craving for attention for the last few years, but in vain. Last year, GOACAN had taken up the matter of upkeep and maintenance of the flyover with the sub-divisional magistrate, Margao. r The lone flyover passing over the railway tracks and criss-crossing the commercial capital was built by the Konkan Railway Corporation in the late 90s and subsequently handed over to the National Highway for upkeep and maintenance.
Worn-out rubber joints on Margao flyover a cause for concern
Worn out rubber expansion joints may pose danger to Margao’s lone flyover in the long run for want of repairs and replacement. And, the half-a-dozen potholes on the flyover may make riding and driving on the flyover a risky affair.
