PANAJI: With the work on renovation of the pedestrian bridge, connecting Rue de Ourem with Patto Plaza area, popularly known as ‘footbridge,’ coming to a halt, the people using it to reach the bus stand, Mala and Bhatulem are highly inconvenienced as the whole area has plunged into darkness and construction material scattered around.
Crossing of the footbridge in the darkness of night has become a nightmare, especially for the women as the digging work has left a big hole at the entry point opposite the Income Tax office. The project has been undertaken by the GSIDC, and the cornerstone for it was laid by the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on October 11, 2016 in the presence of former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and others.
The project to refurbish the footbridge was undertaken as it also leads to a small island, which has a potential to be developed into a tourist spot. In the past, a part of the island was developed for having commercial complexes, and a boat service was also introduced for providing recreation. The footbridge reduces walking distance to Central Library, state museum, Kadamba bus stand and EDC
Complex.