30-year-old Zuari bridge linking north-south Goa develops cracks

Panaji, June 13 (UNI) With the 30-year-old Zuari bride linking the Capital with South Goa developing ''minor cracks'', the authorities are thinking of closing the bridge for heavy traffic soon.

Chief Secretary J P Singh told UNI today that experts from the IIT-Mumbai had already arrived to examine the strength of the bridge even as the government had decided to take other experts opinion in this regard.

Efforts were however on to fortify the bridge with the help of the PWD authorities. It was built in early 1970's on the picturesque river Zuari which continued to help river navigation of iron ore to Mormugao Port in barges.

The bridge, one of the beautiful scenic spots in Goa, links the north Goa including the capital city of Panaji with Vasco-da-Gama and Mormugao port besides the Margao commercial hub networking the Konkan Railway.

The government was also examining the possibility of constructing a parallel bridge at the earliest as an alternative.

Meanwhile, PWD principal chief engineer Mr K P Nambiyar said the engineers noticed minor cracks on the bridge which need not cause any panic. The structure was supposed to last for at least 70 years.

A final decision as to whether it would be closed temporarily for heavy traffic or not had not yet been taken, with the government examining various aspects in consultation with transport experts also, he added.

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