The state government has accepted a bid of Rs 364 crore for the construction of a six-lane elevated highway in Porvorim, to be completed within two years. The winning bidder is Rajendra Singh Bhamboo Infra, based in Rajasthan. According to PWD minister Nilesh Cabral, the successful bidder quoted 30 percent less than the tender’s limit. The tender, floated in June, valued the work at Rs 474.6 crore.
Most encroachments along NH-66 for the project have been cleared by the PWD. With a difference of Rs 171 crore between the lowest and highest bids, sixteen companies qualified for financial bids. Upon the selected company’s completion of formalities and the security deposit, the work order will be issued. The project, funded by the Centre with Rs 641.4 crore, could cause traffic congestion in Porvorim. However, government departments are exploring alternative routes to alleviate the traffic situation.
The elevated highway, spanning 5.2km, will have approaches starting at Sangolda junction and the Neo-Majestic hotel. The project aims to address traffic congestion along the NH-66 section leading to Panaji and enhance access to the Mopa airport. The elevated corridor forms part of the Karaswada-Bambolim stretch four/six-laning project, expected to raise vehicle speed limits from 40-60kmph to 80-100kmph.
