Fulfilling its commitments made in the 2024-25 budget, the government has successfully carried out a comprehensive structural audit of nearly 2,000 bridges and culverts across the State.
Additionally, a road safety audit plan has been prepared, marking a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure and ensuring road safety.
As part of the ambitious initiative, the government had appointed a consultant to conduct the structural evaluation, which is the largest-ever exercise of its kind in the State’s history. This includes key historical structures such as the old Patto Bridge in Panaji and the old Mandovi Bridge. A Mumbai-based firm, Structwell Designers & Consultants Pvt Ltd, was awarded the contract for the audit.
According to senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), the extensive survey assessed the condition of the structures, monitored their health and provided a detailed plan for repairs, rehabilitation, or strengthening.
The audit covered major bridges spanning over 50 metres, minor bridges between 6 and 50 metres and culverts measuring less than 60 metres.
The assessment was divided between North and South Goa, with 27 major and 153 minor bridges, along with 831 culverts surveyed in North Goa. In South Goa, the audit covered 23 major and 90 minor bridges, as well as 839 culverts.
The preliminary report of the survey has already been submitted to the government, and the consultants have provided a series of recommendations for necessary interventions. In line with another promise made in the last budget, the government also appointed a consultant to prepare a comprehensive road safety audit plan for the State.
The consultant has submitted a detailed report with recommendations on measures to improve traffic flow and prevent road accidents. “This report has been placed before the government for approval. Once approved, estimates will be prepared by the consultant and each division will undertake the required work as recommended,” said Jude Carvalho, Executive Engineer, PWD.
Additionally, the PWD has been proactive in addressing road maintenance by initiating the filling of potholes and carrying out road repairs across the State post-monsoon. Road improvement works are also underway in various regions to enhance the riding surface quality.
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NH-66 elevated corridor work progresses steadily
The government’s commitment to addressing traffic congestion along the Porvorim stretch of National Highway 66 took a concrete step forward with the commencement of work on the much-anticipated six-lane elevated corridor.
Assured in the last budget, the Rs 641.46 crore project was initiated in mid-April last year and is progressing as planned. With a total length of 5.15 km, the elevated corridor is expected to be completed within 24 months, with an April 2026 deadline.
Executive Engineer (NH) Jude Carvalho, who is overseeing the project, confirmed that nearly all piers – except for 10 – have already been erected, and the remaining structures are set to be completed by mid-April.
The corridor consists of a single row of 86 piers supporting 87 spans.
The construction contract was awarded to Rajasthan-based Rajendra Singh Bamboo Infra Pvt Ltd (RSBIPL), which has been actively working to ensure timely completion.
