“Earlier, consultants had recommended piling work of up to 16 m below ground. However, during construction, it was found that the piles need to extend to 45-47 m to ensure structural stability. For this difference, the contractor has submitted a claim of Rs 700 million,” said Jude Carvalho, Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), National Highways division.

The contractor’s claim for the increased cost has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for approval. Carvalho acknowledged that the escalation in costs might seem excessive but stressed that the final decision rests with the central government. “The variation in the cost escalation is under scrutiny. It is now up to MoRTH to determine if the claim is justified. As of now, no additional funds have been approved,” Carvalho added.

Despite the cost overrun, the PWD has assured that construction timelines will remain unaffected. The elevated corridor, which commenced construction in April, is progressing at a swift pace and is expected to be completed by 2026. “The additional burden will not impact the pace or schedule of the work. In fact, the contractor is moving at a very fast pace and is likely to complete the project well within the deadline, even with the variation in piling work,” Carvalho said.

The construction contract for the elevated corridor has been awarded to Rajendra Singh Bamboo Infra Pvt Ltd (RSBIPL), a Rajasthan-based infrastructure company. The six-lane elevated corridor aims to alleviate the notorious traffic congestion along the bustling Porvorim stretch of NH-66, which serves as a critical artery connecting Goa’s northern and southern regions.

The corridor is expected to enhance travel experiences by providing a smoother, safer, and more efficient route for commuters. Once completed, the project is anticipated to be a game-changer for the region’s infrastructure, addressing years of traffic bottlenecks and significantly reducing travel time for thousands of daily commuters.