National Engineering Day: 8 marvels of engineering and design in Goa

Evelyn Siqueira

Here’s a quick rundown of some remarkable feats of engineering and design – from ancient to modern times – found on Goan soil

Engineering marvels | Goa

Ponte de Conde de Linhares

Ponte de Conde de Linhares (Count of Linhares Bridge), also known as the Ribandar Causeway, links Patto to Ribandar. At 3.2 km, it was once the longest bridge in Asia. The original structure was built by the Jesuits of the College of St Paul, in Old Goa, and was completed in 1634.

Ribandar Causeway | PIC CREDIT: Dhiraj Harmalkar

New Zuari Bridge

This is an under-construction, cable-stayed bridge over the Zuari River, on the Panjim-Margao National Highway (NH-17/ NH 66). It has dual carriageways of 27 m each and is the 2nd longest and widest cable-stay bridge in India.

New Zuari Bridge | PIC CREDIT: Dhiraj Harmalkar

Canon of Banastarim

This 16th century canon at Campal, Panjim, is the oldest in India, and the only of its kind in Goa. It was used in the famous Battle of Banastarim in 1512 between the Portuguese and the Adil Shahi troops. The brilliant piece of Portuguese artillery is the earliest specimen of forge-welded wrought iron in India. 

Engineering marvels | Campal canon

Selaulim dam

Selaulim Dam is located on the Selaulim River, about 5 km from Sanguem town. It is Goa's biggest dam and is probably the only one of its kind in India with a breathtaking duckbill spillway.

Selaulim Dam | PIC CREDIT: Dhiraj Harmalkar

Konkan Railway

The Konkan Railway started in 1998 and connects Maharashtra to  Karnataka, and also runs through Goa. It crosses 146 rivers/streams, around 2,000 bridges and 91 tunnels. Asia’s longest tunnel (approx 6.5 km) also lies on this route.

Engineering marvels | Konkan Railway

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, in Old Goa, is India's first minor basilica, and was the first church in Goa which exhibited a ‘domesticated’ form of European architecture, a style which was later followed by other churches in Goa.

Engineering marvels | Basilica of Bom Jesus

Sé Cathedral

This 16th century masterpiece took 80 years to complete and is the largest church in Asia. The cathedral houses a large bell known as the 'Golden Bell' which is the largest in Goa.

Engineering marvels | Se Cathedral

Tamdi Surla Temple

The Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla, is a 12th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at the foot of the Anmod Ghat. This ASI protected monument is the oldest temple in Goa, and is believed to be the only example of Kadamba architecture in basalt stone available in Goa.

Engineering marvels | Tambdi Surla
SEE MORE