Goemkapronn desk
VASCO: South Western Railways officials performed a Pooja ceremony on Wednesday morning, marking the commencement of construction for a new 8-meter wide underpass near Tanya Hotel in Vasco. The ceremony was attended by Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker, social worker Vishal Naik, former councillor Rochana Borker, and other dignitaries.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker highlighted the significance of the new underpass, which was proposed by Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar. “This is a very important proposal because the existing underpass connects to internal roads leading to areas like Mestawada, Belebai, Orulem, etc. However, due to its limited height, emergency vehicles like fire brigades and ambulances cannot pass through,” Borker explained.\
He emphasized the critical nature of this project, noting that “residents of these areas sometimes have to call emergency vehicles from another road, which is a long distance away. The extra time taken can prove fatal in case of fire or medical emergency.” Borker credited MLA Salkar’s persistent efforts for the project’s approval. “This proposal to increase the height of the underpass and widen it has finally succeeded after repeated follow-ups by Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar,” he said.
Speaking to the media, Borker assured the community that the new underpass would facilitate quicker access for emergency vehicles. “We are sure that big vehicles, including emergency vehicles, will move through the underpass and cater to the needs of the residents in quick time,” he stated. The new underpass will be 4 meters high and 12 meters wide, significantly improving travel conditions for the local population.\
The construction work on the new underpass is set to begin immediately and is expected to be completed within three to four months. Borker added, “We will soon have a new separate underpass in the area, benefiting the wards and even Baina, who will find this new route shorter and better for their travel needs and during emergencies.”
The Pooja ceremony was conducted by former ward councillor Rochana Borker in the presence of other officials, marking the start of this much-anticipated infrastructure project.
