Govt floats Rs 275crore tender to build bridge linking Porvorim to Chorao

Panaji: The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) kickstarted the process to construct a road link to Chorao island by inviting bids from contractors for the construction of the Salvador-do-Mundo–Madel Church (Chorao) bridge. The long-awaited bridge, estimated to cost Rs 274.8 crore, may finally gain momentum with the tendering process now underway.The GSIDC aims to complete the construction of the bridge in three years, including the monsoon period.Chorao is the largest among Goa’s 17 islands and is located 5km from Panaji. The island, which is home to the famous Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, currently relies entirely on ferry services from Ribandar for connectivity to the mainland. Ferry services operate round the clock from Ribandar, near Panaji.The proposed bridge will connect Salvador-do-Mundo on the mainland to Madel on Chorao island, providing a crucial permanent road link that residents and stakeholders demanded for years. The bridge is part of broader efforts to improve connectivity to Goa’s islands.In 2023, govt initiated land acquisition for the project, with Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte and Mayem MLA Premendra Shet holding meetings to expedite the process.At that time, officials agreed to float the tender once the land transfer process was completed, with assurances that landowners would be duly compensated before work commenced on road widening and approach stretches.The project was not without controversy. In March 2023, locals at a Salvador do Mundo gram sabha opposed the bridge proposal, fearing that road widening would lead to the demolition of houses and compound walls, and raising concerns that govt would not adequately compensate them for losses. Residents also expressed worries about increased traffic on narrow village roads and speculative real estate transactions.Despite local concerns, proponents argue the bridge will significantly boost economic access and connectivity for Chorao’s residents, who currently depend entirely on ferry services that can be disrupted during adverse weather conditions.In recent years, govt took steps to improve ferry connectivity, including launching roll-on, roll-off ferry services on the Ribandar-Chorao route in July 2025, which reduced travel time and accommodated vehicles more efficiently.