Panaji, Sep 30 (TNN): Four-laning of the nearly 10-km stretch of NH 4A between Old Goa and Panaji, costing 80.93 crore will be completed by May 30, 2015, chief minister Manohar Parrikar said.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the pilot project on Monday at a function at the Chimbel junction, Parrikar said that the four-laning work along with the two-wheeler dedicated lane, would be completed by the Statehood Day of Goa next year. The dedicated lane for two-wheelers will be 3m each, he said

"This four-laning project, construction of Khandepar bridge and Galgibag-Talpan bridge which will be taken up by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) are some of the big leaps that the government has taken, in spite of the financial crisis that it faced due to the closure of mining," said Parrikar.

PWD minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar said that the project is envisaged as model corridor for future development of national highways in the state.

Dhavalikar who had last week spoken of a nearly 11 km flyover on Monday said that there will be a flyover/bridge across Chimbel creek. It will be 200m long and will have six lanes with a footpath. This will cost 26.84 crore.

Dhavalikar said that surveillance cameras will be installed at entry points while the entire stretch will be illuminated.

Regarding funds, the PWD minister said, "The state had asked the Union ministry for financial assistance for the same project in the last tenure of the central government. It was only during the Lok Sabha elections that we could get 200 crore for repair of national highway from the Centre. This project will be completed under state finance. In spite of all the financial pressures, Parrikar has sanctioned money for this project."

Referring to other projects, Dhavalikar said, "Opening of the technical bids for the Khandepar bridge on NH 4A costing around 191 crore will begin from Tuesday." He also said that "the work of Canacona bridge will begin soon and will be taken up by the GSIDC. The 7km Nuvem bypass will be started this year," Dhavlikar added.

Vishnu Wagh (St Andre MLA) demanded the preservation of the Kadamba era Rajmaarg that starts from Old Goa to Goa Velha "If this heritage is preserved, Goa will always remember this government for its contribution," said Wagh.

Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, principal secretary PWD Parimal Rai, principal chief engineer D J S Borkar, PWD chief engineer Uttam Parsekar, ZP members, sarpanchas attended the function.