Panaji: Jan. 27, 2019 …The newly constructed Indias third largest cable stay bridge, built across river Mandovi, is named as Atal Setu, named after the name of former Prime Minister of India Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is inaugurated by the Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in the distinguish presence of Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari at a function organized by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd on the bridge in the city today.
Shri Parrikar while addressing the gathering mentioned the quote of former President of America MrJohn F Kennedy who said that America is rich because roads in America are good through which he impressed upon the fact of the importance of roads in the development . He said the aforesaid quote imprinted on his mind which led to the idea of this mega project.
Shri Parrikar informed that this bridge went through many hurdles, obstacles to become a reality. He said the negative attitude of the people towards the development is not a good sign. The Government he said equally committed to protect ecology and environ of the state. Therefore he advised the people to have positive attitude towards development. He expressed his happiness over the completion of this mega project within the expected time period. He thanked Union Minster Shri Nitin Gadkari for his generosity for providing whole hearted financial support in infrastructural development of the state and other stakeholders of the project.
The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari who was the chief guest of thee function said that the state of art bridge will add to the beauty of Goa. The Central Government he said has sanctioned developmental work for Goa to the tune of rupees fifteen thousand crore rupees. He appreciated Shri Parrikar and said that he has played vital role in the development of Goa. Another work of project is in progress He said Goa has a potential in developing water transport and sky bus project for tourism He said for having Water Resource portfolio he would extend all sort of cooperation for the same.
Shri Gadkari further speaking said that Chief Minister is sensitive towards the development of the state Therefore he has rigorously followed up to get the project collated. He said those development works which are assure would completed he assured.
The Union Minister of State for AYUSH ( Independent Charge ) Shri Shripad Naik said that the state of art bridge will play important role in growth and progress of Goa.. This bridge he said will provide solace to the people from traffic congestion faced by the people long back.
The PWD Minister Shri Ramkrishna Dhavalikar in his address said that State has taken rapid strides in field of infrastructural Development. He said there are many projects of bridge, road development , construction of buildings for schools Government offices is in progress and will be completed soon The Usgao Khandepar bridge, Dhavali Ponda bypass, widening and improvement of Patradevi to Pollem, Ponda to Banastari and 8kmts road at Mopa will be taken up soon.. So also many developmental works which are taken up would completed soon. he He thanked Shri Gadkari for his whole hearted support for the development of the state.
Shri Vishwajit Rane, Health Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly,Shri Michael Lobo, Deputy Speaker, Shri Mauvin Godinho, Panchayat Min ister, Shri Manohar ( Babu ) Ajgaonkar, Tourism Minister, Shri Nilesh Cabral, Power Minister, Shri \jayesh Salgaonkar, Rural Development Minister, Shri Rohan Khaunte, Revenue Minister, Shri Vinod Palyenkar, WRD Minister, Shri Govind Gaude, Art & Culture Minister, Shri Vijay Sardesai TCP Minister, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar Ex-Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Savoikar, MP South Goa, Shru Vinay Tendulkar, Member of Rajyasabha, Shri Levinson Martins, Collector of North Goa.other Ex- Ministers, MLAs Ex-MLAs Dr. Muktesh Chander, DGP-Goa, Shri Jaspal Singh,( IPS ) DIG-Goa, Shri Paramaditya, (IPS ) IGP-Goa, Secretaries to the Government, HODs of Various Government Departments , Staff & Engineers of L&T Company, and others attended the function.
The Mandovi River Cable Stay Bridge was an important project proposed by GSIDC (Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation) and designed by L & T Infrastructure Ltd; constructed by L&T heavy Civil Infrastructure
This 4-lane Cable stayed bridge in the State of Goa across the river Mandovi in between the two existing bridges will support and sustain burgeoning traffic and will be an aesthetically pleasing landmark for tourism development in the State of Goa.
To streamline the Mumbai bound traffic incoming from Bangalore via Ponda route and Old Goa i.e. Madgaon and even from Panaji can be collectively sent towards NH-17 through an elevated bridge, bypassing the main Panjim City. The Cable Stay Bridge also adds an architectural beauty to the capital of Goa, Panaji. Total Bridge Length of the Bridge is 5.1(km including approaches.
Shri Dipak Pauskar, Chaiman GSIDC welcomed the guests. While Shri SSiddharth Kuncalienkar, EDC Chairman proposed the vote of thanks.
