Following significant delays, it was finally reported that work had commenced on the 2.9 km Assonora bypass, with an expected completion time of 18 months. The objective of this bypass was to alleviate traffic congestion along the state highway, thereby providing relief to motorists. The bypass, which extends from Sirsaim to Mulgao, was set to begin at Sirsaim (Tivim) and link up with the existing road in Mulgao. Notable features of the project included the construction of a bridge across the Assonora River and an underpass for Shirgao Road. Additionally, cattle passes were planned to be built as the bypass passed through agricultural fields. The project had been awarded to MVR Construction, with an estimated cost of around Rs 1.60 billion. Funding for the project had been provided by the State government, and it was designed in accordance with the guidelines set by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The completion of the bypass was expected to mark a significant upgrade in infrastructure. The current state highway (State Highway-1) from Karraswaddo-Mapusa to Sanquelim was noted to be narrow in many sections and was identified as an accident-prone area. The proposal for a bypass in the Tivim constituency had been conceived several years prior due to numerous bottlenecks, and land acquisition had been successfully completed. However, the project had faced delays due to funding issues. Deputy Sarpanch Sapna Mapari expressed optimism regarding the benefits the project would bring to local travellers. She mentioned, The bypass has been a long-pending demand from locals because of the narrow and congested existing road. It will significantly benefit the nearby villages of Mulgao and Bicholim. Our minister and local MLA, Nilkant Halarnkar, has been actively pursuing the completion of this bypass. Now, with all procedures followed, construction has begun. In related news, the construction of a bypass in Bicholim, estimated to cost around Rs 900 million, was reported to be nearing completion. According to sources from the Public Works Department (PWD), this bypass would soon be open to traffic, offering relief to Bicholim residents from persistent traffic congestion.