Goa-Velha bypass: UTOR RAKLEM says Cherchil. Really? In a half page large display advert in H on 23/12/09, the caption says ‘UTOR RAKLEM, promise fulfilled so that people are satisfied. Minister Churchill has fulfilled yet another promise made to the people that Goa-Vleha bypass would be a Xmas Gift..’ (The bypass was to be thrown open 5pm on 23/12/09) 'Utor Raklem', khorenchi? Bobkekar mure tum, beste bhobke fotta. ‘A man who keeps his promises’ Really? -As if he has given the word when the work on bypass first started So, when did he say that it’s going to be a Xmas gift? - Not two years or not 2 months but just two weeks ago (Dec.8). When the bypass work started and who was the PWD Minister then? - Work started in July 2007 and Churchill is PWD minister since Aug 2007 (Mid June, till Aug 13, I think the porfolio was with the newly sown in chief Minister Digambar Kamat) Besides, the above promise or assurance, were there any other such dates given for the completion of the bypass? - Not just one or two but many dates. Fyi, Minister Churchill earlier on 28th Oct. said it will be ready by 20th Dec. (The chief engineer, Mr J Chimulkar on Sept5, gave Dec. 10 as deadline), and before that on May 25th, he/Cherchil said it would be ready by June end..
Dates before that were as follows: January End 2009 March end June End End of Monsoon 2008 Early September October end December end What was the estimate or actual cost of the project - then and now? - It was about Rs.4 Crores and was to be completed in one year It is now Rs.12+ Crores, the subway itself cost more than one third of the total cost. Dec. 9, it was said the subway cost Rs.4 crore Now, two weeks later, it is increased by Rs. 40 lakhs So, the final cost of the project could be upto 14 crore or more. (this also to include overtime worked during the last two weeks etc to keep up with the minister’s word). Subway cost 4.4 crores? - Yes, so the ad says. Watch Subway/bypass progress Video as on 11/12/09 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igi-q_XmjnY Has the bypass fully competed now? - I don’t think so. - Only the middle two lane temporarily thrown open - No hotmix done yet just a pre-mix or loose spread - No bypass illumination or no street lights yet, not even street poles. - No road dividers yet (It’s a part of NH17) - No side guards or barriers on either side of the road Oh, ho! Ho korelo bhobkekar mure! - So, you know now. What others say about it? - Check below H’s Editorial, hope it is not a paid one – see below - Also check a letter to the Editor in today’s H – see below Quote: H editorial 24/12/09 A promise kept A few months ago, after he was pestered by irked commuters having to face long traffic jams at Goa Velha and Agassaim,PWD Minister Churchill Alemao made a solemn promise that the Goa Velha-Agassaim bypass on Hational Highway 17 would be ready and open for traffic by Christmas. The minister has been as good as his word. Traffic will run on the new bypass, avoiding the village, on Christmas Day. We congratulate Churchill Alemao on keeping his promise and trust that this remarkable performance will be repeated in the days to come. Dangerous bypass H dt 24/12/09 (letter to the editor) Melwyn Dias, Cuncolim It is surprising to know that the Goa Velha bypass is going to open on 23 December, only to meet the deadline, without any consideration given to safety standards. There is no divider or roundabout to join or leave the lane. This will cause confusion, which could lead to accidents and loss of life. There are no streetlights on the road. The road is about 2-3 meter high and there are no guards at the sides. joego...@yahoo.co.uk for Goa & NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ For Goan Video Clips http://youtube.com/joeukgoa In Goa, Dial 1 0 8 For Hospital, Police, Fire etc The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage. http://in.yahoo.com/