Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 30: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a fresh notification announcing its intent to acquire an additional 22,500 sq. m of land in the villages of Loutolim, Borim, and Quela for the ambitious new Borim bridge and its approach roads.

According to the notification, interested persons have 21 days from the publication of the notice in the official gazette to raise objections. Objections must be submitted in writing to the Special Land Acquisition Officer, PWD–National Highways, Altinho, Panaji. Detailed land plans and documents related to the acquisition are available for inspection at the said office, the notification stated.

Last year, despite opposition from a section of local residents, the government had already completed the acquisition of about 3,40,000 sq. m of land in Loutolim, Borim, and Bandora villages for the same project.

The upcoming four-lane cable-stayed Borim bridge, estimated to cost around Rs 300 crore, will include approach roads and connectivity infrastructure. The project also entails the construction of a 5.7 km bypass connecting to the existing Borim bridge on National Highway 566, easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across the Zuari River.

Officials said the new bridge project is expected to be completed within three years, once work begins in full swing, and will serve as a crucial link enhancing transportation between South Goa and the rest of the state.