Panaji: Ribandar is gearing up for the final phase of its Smart City works, as Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) assures to complete the remaining tasks within a specified timeframe, ensuring a hassle-free and systematic approach. In a crucial meeting held today, IPSCDL discussed the plan for the road closure in Ribandar for the sewerage work, emphasizing the importance of coordinating efforts to address traffic management and public safety concerns during the closure period.
The final leg of the proposed project, scheduled to begin in four phases starting March 6, 2024, involves activities like laying sewerage and gas lines. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues (IAS) MD & CEO ,IPSCDL attended by key stakeholders, including PI Chetan Saulekar (Traffic Cell Panaji), Mr. Thomas Braganza ( Muncipal Engineer – CCP) , PSI Laureen Sequeira (Old Goa Police Station) , Mr. Vithal Chopdekar ( Ribandar Councillor – Ward 28), Mr. Silvestre Fernandes(Ribandar Councillor – Ward 29),Ms.Sandra Da Cunha ( Ribandar Councillor – Ward 30), Mr. Sandesh Chopdekar (Panch Member VP Chimbel – Ward 09), Mr.Nilay Vakil (CFO-GNGPL) and Mr. Gopal Krishna ( Bansal Infra projects Pvt. Ltd.) focused on coordinating efforts to ensure smooth project execution while addressing traffic management and public safety concerns. Discussions also involved briefing the Traffic Cell and Councillors on project details, addressing school examination concerns and planning additional bus transport services from Divja circle to Ajuda church junction back shall be continuously plying to mitigate travel disruptions and details of school buses will be worked out in consultation with locals.
The Entire stretch of road from Basilica of Bom Jesus (Old Goa) junction along the causeway upto Divja circle (Panaji) will be closed from 10th March – 30Th April,2024 for traffic moving from Old Goa to Panaji and vice versa. The Traffic will be diverted towards the NH 748 (Kadamba Bypass Road). However, the intermediate stretches will be closed as follows and necessary arrangements for traffic diversion for locals will be implemented.
IPSCDL is mindful of various challenges that it would face while executing works at Ribandar such as high water table , clay soil ,narrow road widths, hard rock at few locations , boring & continuous dewatering at manhole locations , loose strata and has therefore changed existing methodology of open excavation to trenchless technology for laying pipelines. Additionally, pre-cast manhole laying will be adopted which will entail placing them into the base directly will further streamline the process enhancing safety considerably, besides reducing time taken”.
The contractors overseeing the ongoing works have been directed to prioritize safety precautions, such as adequate barricading, clear signage and sufficient lighting at all work sites. The safety of workers, commuters, and smooth traffic flow is of utmost importance. These measures aim to minimize risks and ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.
IPSCDL has diligently assessed the plans for the Smart Ribandar project, setting a completion timeline of 31st May 24 and organizing road closures to facilitate smooth progress. The primary goal is to finish the project promptly while minimizing inconvenience. The meeting highlighted the collective commitment to prioritizing public needs and enhancing Ribandar’s infrastructure. IPSCDL remains steadfast in fostering strong partnerships and ensuring community engagement to enhance the quality of life in Ribandar.
