Flyover proposal tabled in House

HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 3
In an endeavour to ease out the traffic congestion entering the city, Goa Traffic Department in 2007 had proposed to build a four-lane flyover from Merces circle of the National Highway connecting to the old and new Mandovi Bridge.
The plan designed by the former traffic superintendent of police Atmaram Deshpande was submitted to the Public Works Department chief engineer on March 16, 2007.
“A four lane flyover (is proposed between) Merces/Chimbel circle of NH-17 (and) new Mandovi Bridge for smooth and efficient movement of traffic (on NH-17 between Panjim and Porvorim/Mapusa) without getting caught in the traffic at KTC circle,” reads the two-page proposal copy tabled on the floor of the House on Wednesday.
The four-year old proposal, which is yet to take shape, also suggested construction of slip road or service road for easy maneuvering of vehicles.
The design of a flyover was aimed at easing the large volume of traffic which is bound to increase with increase in vehicles, along the route.
According to the traffic department data, around 34,500 vehicles enter Panjim daily of which 60 per cent are two-wheelers, 32.5 per cent are four-wheelers, three per cent are three-wheelers and four per cent are light passenger goods vehicles.
Similarly around 30,000 vehicles exit the city daily, the proposal stated adding, the number of vehicles entering the city would increase considerably in the coming years adding pressure on the existing infrastructure including the two Mandovi Bridges.
After the old Mandovi Bridge collapsed in 1986, new Mandovi Bridge was built with two lanes for heavy and light vehicles, whereas, the old Bridge which was subsequently re-built is exclusively used by light and medium vehicles.
The proposal was suggested to the government keeping in mind the heavy rush hours in the morning and evening.