Union minister Gadkari to also lay foundation for different highway expansion projects
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar with representatives of various departments during a joint inspection of the loop flyover on Monday.
Photo Credits: Vikram Nayak
PANAJI
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate the much-awaited first cable-stayed bridge cum overbridge constructed on a curve from Ravindra Bhavan to Varunapuri on January 21.
The four-lane loop 2 road project on NH17-B, providing connectivity to the Mormugao Port for cargo transportation will also be inaugurated by the Union Minister apart from laying the foundation stone for four highway expansion projects worth over Rs 2,500 crore.
The 5.2km loop 1 of the project, connecting Varunapuri to Sada junction, was inaugurated in January 2022 by Gadkari. The loop 2 is from Ravindra Bhavan junction to MPA gate No. 9, an up ramp and a down ramp, with a total length of 3.5km.
The foundation would be laid for different highway expansion projects from Margao to Canacona that include four-laning of a 7.2km stretch of NH 66 from the end of Margao bypass to Cuncolim, four-laning of a 22.1km stretch from Bendordem to the commencement of the Canacona bypass, and from the end of the Canacona bypass to the Karnataka border at Polem.
The new national highway projects are expected to provide better connectivity on the Mumbai-Kanyakumari four/six-lane corridor. Gadkari will also lay the foundation stone for the Rs 455.5-crore construction of a four-lane flyover from MES College junction to the Bogmalo junction, covering a total length of 3.3km on the NH 566.
Bridge game-changer for Mormugao: MLA
VASCO: Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar on Monday conducted a joint inspection with various departments to finalise preparations for the inauguration of the Mormugao Loop Flyover Bridge, India’s first curved cable-stayed bridge.
Speaking to the media, Amonkar expressed enthusiasm about the landmark event, stating that a crowd of over 7,000 people is expected to witness the inauguration. He highlighted the significance of the bridge for Mormugao Taluka, emphasising its potential to reduce dust pollution caused by heavy cargo traffic on internal roads by 60%.
“This bridge is a game-changer for the state and especially for Mormugao Taluka. It will significantly alleviate the dust pollution issues faced by residents in Sada and surrounding areas due to cargo transportation. The vehicles will now use the bridge, bringing much-needed relief to the community,” said Amonkar.
To ensure smooth logistics, arrangements have been made to transport attendees to the venue.
“Buses will ferry people from Baina, Sada, and other areas, while many youth will arrive on their own transport. We have received overwhelming support from the constituency. Invitations have been delivered to every household,” Amonkar added.
The inauguration will feature live music, fireworks, and adequate parking arrangements supervised by the Traffic Cell. Amonkar also noted that the bridge would be illuminated, creating a spectacular visual display.
“This is India’s first curved cable-stayed bridge, and it is truly a marvel. We will take Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and other leaders to the site to appreciate this engineering feat,” Amonkar added.
