Increase height of new Borim bridge: GCCI to govt

Panaji: Concerned about the low height of the new Borim bridge, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has said the bridge would make it difficult for vessels to navigate under it during high tide.

Govt has announced plans to construct a new bridge across the Zuari river to replace the ageing bridge at Borim. Currently, the blueprint for the bridge indicates a proposed height of 14m from the high tide level (HTL).

“While we appreciate govt’s efforts to upgrade infrastructure, we strongly believe that the reduced height of the new bridge will have severe implications for the shipbuilding industry in Goa. The existing bridge has a height of 16m, and passing through it is already a challenge due to the natural river bend and restricted river width. A further reduction in height will make it even more difficult for vessels to cross,” said GCCI president, Pratima Dhond.

In a letter to chief minister Pramod Sawant, the GCCI has pointed out that shipyards in Goa carefully plan their operations around the lowest tide timings to navigate safely under the existing Borim bridge. If the new bridge is constructed at a height of 14m from HTL, it will have an adverse impact on shipbuilding activities and future plans of shipyards in Goa.

Dhond also said bigger vessels being constructed at shipyards upriver will not be able to pass under the bridge.

“We urge govt to redesign and construct the new Borim bridge with a height of more than 16m from HTL,” she said.

The GCCI has asked govt to consider the exponential growth of industrial activities while designing and constructing the new bridge.

“In addition to increasing the height of the bridge, we recommend that govt consider extensive dredging across the entire river stretch. This will further facilitate safe navigation and efficient shipbuilding operations,” said Dhond.

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