Margao’s much-talked about Western Bypass – mooted in the 90’s to decongest the Commercial Capital – may not have taken shape as yet. But, there’s good news in store for traffic managers and motorists as far as the Eastern Bypass – between Arlem and Rawanfond is concerned – as the Government has taken four-laning of the bypass and has planned beautification of as many as five traffic junctions on the stretch with private sector participation. That’s not all. There’s finally a ray of hope that the narrow Arlem-Borim highway would be four-laned in days ahead, with the PWD taking up phase I of the project at a cost of Rs six crore.
Good news is that work of four-laning of the Eastern Bypass and the Arlem-Borim has commenced in right earnest and is being taken up in phases. The four-laning of the Eastern Bypass will not just ensure smooth vehicular flow, but do away with the current practice of dumping garbage, waste and construction debris along the route. Says PWD Executive Engineer, Anil Ringe: “All the traffic junctions at Arlem, Housing Board, Power House, besides Rawanfond will be beautified along with the four-laning work”.
According to Ringe, the Eastern Bypass is the most important link to avoid congestion in Margao. “The PWD Department headed by minister Churchill Alemao has sanctioned enough funds for the two major works”, he added. With regards to the Arlem-Borim road, he said the entire stretch of road would be four-laned in phases. “Presently, we have taken up the Arlem-Uzro stretch at a cost of Rs six crore. The second phase will be taken up on the Uzro-Borim stretch” he added. Replying to a question, he said the Eastern Bypass is proposed to be connected to the NH-17 at Dramapur via Mandopa.
-Herald, Goa Daily
