After years of delays and stalled tenders, construction has finally commenced on Goa's pioneering foot overbridge (FoB) equipped with both a lift and an escalator. The crucial infrastructure project is located at the revered Fulancho Khuris shrine in Bambolim, a site that draws hundreds of devotees daily to a stretch of road notorious for fatal pedestrian accidents.
A Long-Awaited Solution for a Perilous Stretch
The urgent need for a safe pedestrian crossing became starkly evident following the expansion of the highway along this corridor. With wider roads, vehicular speeds have increased significantly, turning the simple act of crossing the street into a high-risk endeavor for devotees and locals. The FoB was originally conceptualised several years ago specifically to address these mounting safety concerns.
However, the path to breaking ground was fraught with hurdles. The Public Works Department (PWD) initially floated tenders but failed to attract any bidders. Subsequently, the project was awarded to Mookambika Constructions. Yet, even after a lapse of eight months, the company did not initiate work, forcing the PWD to terminate the contract in 2025.
New Contractor and Project Specifications
Following the termination, the contract was re-awarded to a Goa-based firm, Bavikara Constructions. Preliminary work, including soil testing near the Holy Cross shrine, began in October last year. The total project is estimated to cost around Rs 6 crore. This comprehensive sum includes a five-year maintenance contract that covers the upkeep of toilets, the lift, and the escalator.
Designed with inspiration from similar structures in Southeast Asia, the bridge will be approximately 2.5 metres wide and six metres high. Its integrated lift and escalator are key features intended to ensure accessibility for all, including the elderly and disabled.
Enhanced Safety and Smoother Traffic Flow
Authorities are confident that this long-overdue facility will bring a transformative change to the area. The primary goal is a dramatic enhancement in pedestrian safety, aiming to put an end to the tragic accidents that have occurred on this stretch. Additionally, by separating pedestrian and vehicular movement, the FoB is expected to ease traffic congestion and allow for smoother vehicular flow along the busy highway corridor.
The commencement of work marks a significant step towards fulfilling a critical public safety mandate for the state of Goa.
