Panaji: The PWD has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to Centre for the construction of the new “high-level” Borim bridge across the Zuari river, with a project estimate of Rs 1,948 crore.Construction of the four-laned, cable-stayed bridge, covering a length of 8km — inclusive of approach roads — on NH 566, will be funded by the Union ministry of road transport and highways.The bridge’s estimate has now increased sixfold from the earlier expected cost of around Rs 300 crore for a length of 6km.Last year, govt had finalised land acquisition for the new Borim bridge project, acquiring around 3.5 lakh sqm in the villages of Loutolim, Borim, Bandora and Queula.The project is expected to take around three years to complete.The existing Borim bridge was commissioned in 1986, but developed problems within a few years and has been periodically closed for maintenance and to test load capacity. It is a vital link between the Ponda and Salcete talukas for heavy vehicular traffic moving through the state on NH 566. However, this traffic has had to be diverted given the weak condition of the bridge.While work on the new bridge is being planned, strengthening and rehabilitation of the existing Borim bridge is on. The Rs 20.7 crore required for the repairs is being pumped in by Centre.Pre-stressing on the bridge had been carried out by Freyssinet India Ltd, Mumbai, and was completed in Dec 2016 for Rs 9.9 crore.The steel used for bridges suffers from corrosion due to the high salinity of Goan rivers and loss of its tensile strength as a result. After carrying out a study through a consultancy firm, the cables have been tightened to strengthen the 431-m-long existing Borim bridge that was constructed between 1977 and 1986 for Rs 303 lakh.
