BICHOLIM
Stating that the Bicholim bus stand will be operational before the monsoon, Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) Chairman and Calangute MLA said that projects delayed in Bicholim will be expedited.
Lobo was speaking after carrying out an on-site inspection of the Bicholim bus stand in the presence of Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye, GSIDC officials Rohit Kadam and Shripad Kavlekar, Transport Officer Sandeep Parodkar, Sameer Chodankar, Dr Kaustubh Patnekar, Padmakar Malekar, Vallabh Salekar, Bicholim Municipal Council Chairperson Vijaykumar Natekar, councillors Deepa Pol, Deepa Shirgaonkar, Aniket Chanekar, Gunjan Korgaonkar, and others.
The bus stand project had been stalled for several years, causing major inconvenience to commuters. Though the work was delayed due to technical issues, it has now picked up pace.
Stating that first phase of the Bicholim bus stand will be completed within two months and the bus stand will be operational before the monsoon, Lobo said strict instructions have been issued to ensure quality construction along with modern passenger facilities.
The total cost of the project is approximately Rs 20 crore. The first floor will house a modern transport department office, the second floor will accommodate the KTC office, while the ground floor will include commercial shops and other essential passenger amenities.
During the visit, the team also reviewed the progress of the long-delayed Bicholim fire station building and the multi-purpose government complex, being constructed at a cost of about Rs 70 crore.
Lobo said work on the Bicholim Fire Station building has resumed at full speed and GSIDC officials have been directed to ensure the project is completed within the next few months.
The project had been delayed for years due to multiple changes in contractors.
He also stated that construction of the Rs 70 crore multi-purpose government complex at Bicholim is progressing rapidly.
Once completed, all government offices will function under one roof. The complex will also include an art auditorium, parking facilities, and other civic amenities.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye expressed satisfaction over the pace of work and assured that the project will be completed within the stipulated time-frame.
Lobo further stated that around 70 projects are currently underway across the State through GSIDC, and efforts are being made to complete them at the earliest. He emphasised that the focus remains on delivering quality infrastructure that meets public needs.
Meanwhile, a proposal to construct a mortuary behind the Bicholim Hospital was also reviewed during the visit. The estimated cost of the mortuary project is around Rs 15 lakh.
