Panaji: Jam for more than four years, working on a cycling lane and jogging all the weather along the Mandovi River Bank has restarted, with the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) which aims to be completed at the end of December.
GSIDC has also started preparation to build the second phase of the cycle lane.
The 1.6km track construction from the SAG sports complex to the Academy Kala has begun in 2017, but was detained after Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) refused to remove the initial bill, citing irregularities by the contractor.
“The work has continued.
There is no escalation of costs,” said a GSIDC official.
The RS 12 Crore project is being funded together by the state and the center under the amrup (atal mission for rejuvenation and urban transportation) which emphasizes non-motorized transportation and the development of open space.
Given the proximity of the project to Raprile River Bank, this project includes the initiative to prevent soil erosion by using Riprap Rocks along the route.
GSIDC has given a project to Krishna builders with Indian LKS acting as a consultant for the project.
“The idea is to stop the coastline erosion, not only through the retaining wall, but also through wave energy dissipation,” said a GSIDC official.
The project, which includes the running line, will connect the SAG sports complex to the children’s park at Campal.
As part of a holistic plan to encourage non-motorized transportation in the state capital, plan planning to make a special cycle line directly from Dona Paula to Ribandar.
Jalan Miramar-Dona Paula already has a special cycle path.
Panaji is one of 107 cities throughout the country who participated in the challenge of Indian Cycles4change.
“One of the main objectives under the Union Government Amrut Scheme is to improve the quality of life in cities by developing green spaces and well maintaining while also reducing pollution by turning to non-motorized transportation,” said an official.
IPSCDL, Urban Panaji Labor Lab and Corporate City Panaji is working on plans to encourage cycling and pedestrians of certain streets in the capital.
There is an effort to make the pilot cycle pathway to redefine how the locals and tourists travel in the city.