The 3rd bridge across the Mandovi River has finally been thrown open for traffic on the 5th of Febuary. . An important point to mention is that two and three wheelers are banned from using the bridge due to strong wind pressures.
The bridge was thrown open by Dipak Pawaskar, Honourable chairman Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and Siddarth Kunkoleikar, Vice chairman amongst other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion Dipak Pawaskar, Chairman of GSIDC said “Following the inaugural of the Atal Setu on 27th of January, we have now opened the bridge for traffic and vehicles to ply on. Whatever small jobs were pending like painting and lighting releated were completed on time to deliver a 100% complete bridge to the public. Honourable Chief Minister for Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar had laid the foundation stone for the bridge four and a half years back that has been completed on time and opened for traffic today. Pawaskar also thanked all the contributors who worked tirelessly day and night for early completion of the bridge.”
Work on the in-complete Ponda flyover is progressing at speed for completion by May 31st
Further speaking, the vice chairman of GSIDC, Mr Siddarth Kunkoleikar expressed satisfaction over the opening of the bridge for vehicular traffic and said that the commissioning of the new bridge will reduce the traffic load at Merces circle, Kadamba circle and malim jetty circle as the traffic will directly bypass these major junctions via the bridge He also said that vehicles proceeding towards Mapusa, Calangute, Vasco and Margao will largely benefit as they will able reach either ends in 5 minutes.”
Siddarth also mentioned about a new traffic plan being notified that will be implemented soon. The roads around Kadamba circle will be made one way and so will the existing two bridges of which one will be for entering Porvorim from Panjim and one to exit Porvorim.
The authorities had earlier kept the bridge open for public to walk across and enjoy the scenic view from the height of 70 metres from sea level. However the overwhelming response forced an extension of the visiting dates for more public to be able to visit it.
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