ARPORA: The work on reconstruction of Arpora-Baga bridge, near Mackie’s Saturday Nite Market, has been undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 5.18 crore. The work is being executed by GSIDC and expected to be completed in three months.
The bridge is in a dilapidated state and narrow, and especially on Saturdays, heavy traffic congestion occurs at the site due to rush of tourist vehicles.
Speaking to media, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo stated that Arpora-Baga bridge has become weak and considering that it is an important link to Baga, the work has been undertaken. He said the bridge will have two spans. Presently, it has 5 pillars.
The MLA said that the bridge will have a width of 12 metres with footpaths on both sides. The work has been undertaken after taking the locals into confidence, he said.
Arpora deputy sarpanch T D’Souza informed that a water pipeline and electricity cables, that were passing along the bridge, have been shifted and a temporary structure is being constructed for people to walk and for cars a diversion has been made at Sankwadi.
Arpora sarpanch Mahima Korgaonkar said the work was urgently needed to be taken up for the benefit of locals and tourists. The sarpanch said that people used to face a lot of problems during peak tourist months owing to heavy rush of vehicles and subsequent congestion.
All roads are widened and hot-mixed carpeted, this was the only work pending in Arpora, she said.