The vital link on the NH 17 the "Zuari Bridge" linking Agacaim in Tiswadi (Ilhas) Taluka on the Northern end with Cortalim in Mormugao Taluka at the Southern end opened since 1983 is being declared unsafe for motor vehicles of above six tons come Friday the 16th June 2006.
An ex official (whose name has been witheld on request)from the PWD at Altinho, Panaji, informed this writer in a detailed tele-talk this forenoon that the unchristened " Zuari" Bridge has some interesting insights (just as yet another bridge with the official name as Jawaharlal Nehru Bridge has its unchristened name the "Mandovi" Bridge ) which needs a probe. "Zuari" Bridge was constructed in the early eighties as a high level road bridge, 627 metres length with four main spans at distance of 122 metres each (to provide for under bridge navigation of barges between two central spans (with 55 metres wide navigable channels ) providing a vertical clearance of 13.7 metres above high tide level of over 1000 tonnes dwt at speed not exceeding six knots) with two end spans each of 69.5 metres. This superstructure adopting the Fressynet system with "in situ" RCC docking in a transition curve which is cast progressively by the cantilever methods of construction has a 10.5 metres width providing a clear carriageway of 7.5 metres with 1.5 metres wide footpaths on either sides. There were addition protective devices to absorb barge impact and the foundation wells were as deep as 40 metres below HTL (High Tide Level). According to this ex-official the Bridge was "jinxed " not because it was deprived of the "blood of humans" as was commonly believed, to satiate the demons demanding in return the safety of the bridge, but owing to "money thirsty politicos" It is stated that some incriminating evidence may still be available in the files gathering dust in the PWD wherein the Dredging Corporation of India is believed to have initially forseen the feasibility of a bridge on the present location of the Konkan Railway bridge that is on the eastern side as against the present site on the western side. It is for this reason the KRC constructed the rail bridge in a short time and with amazing ease unlike the "Zuari" road bridge. The reason attributed to the failure of the "Zuari" bridge was that the terrain viz; "khazan" soil of the "Decking in slope" at the Agacaim end especially just next to the navigational channel span , later jocularly referred to as "longdo" lame in Konkani or "dangling span" that led to the cost overrun of initial estimates of Rs.2.12 crores and time delay of beyond 48 months. So why then was the present site chosen oen may ask? Well our Union Territory status remember Goa Daman and Diu and the Indian National Congress Party had just tasted power since 1980. It was the Central Government which would decide or atleast influence such decisions for they controlled the territories "purse" . Then cement was a "luxurious commodity" it was marketed by the Goa Marketing Federation a Corporation of the Government of Goa, the famine for cement vis-a-vis infrastructure plans on the anvil was so much that at one stage imports from South Korea were resorted to and a "jinxed span" would only ADD to the coffers of the politicians and the party. Who cares for safety and durability. Thus the present site was approved. M/s Gammon India was perhaps then one of the only reputed firms besides Uttar Pradesh Construction Co Ltd executing such infrastructure projects. Their integrity was not in doubt for they had only to execute the works the locale was the choice of "politicos" and the "engineers architects" So much of the midnight oil was burnt on this "dangling span" that the long drawn struggle at this span involved a 24 X 7 all year round work which is believed also led to frustration and penury of one of its workman who is believed to have eventually murdered an official of M/s Gammon India "in situ". It was for fear of the jinxed status even before the bridge could be named and inaugurated it was declared open and is being referred to as "Zuari" bridge since it runs accross the Zuari river. The bridge was in April 1997 declared closed for similar repairs and the inconvenience caused to commuters was tremendous. . The present repairs would easily take over an year before being declared safe for above 6 ton motor vehicles and plans for a new bridge would finalise only by the end of the decade as a matter of routine, unless one is built near the existing Konkan Railway Bridge or more towards the eastern end. Therefore ferry services will be pressed and North bound commuters from South Goa and other states will have a harrowing experience, and a pinch in their purses. Incidentally on July 5th 1986 will be the 20th aniversary of the collapse of the now referred to as "Old Mandovi" Bridge. Many Goans were in animated discussions at the bridge when this writer visited it late evening saying that perhaps this time St Anthony of Padua whose Feast was celebrated on 13th June preferred to unravel the bleak future of the bridge when instead of expected heavy rainfall on the ocassion of this Feast there was bright sunshine allowing one a "peep into" the yawning fissures on the fifth span of the "Zuari" Bridge. For the coalition Government it is election year is months ahead and they will have to soothe the weary foot of the commuters who use the "Zuari" Bridge -- yes a free passage to and fro Cortalim to Agacaim via our ferries would be one option. from the Zuari bridge end GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com <br><br> Stay connected with your friends even when away from PC. 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