Residents of the twin islands have been demanding a bridge between Diwar to Ribander, or Diwar to Old Goa, which will also facilitate people from Vanxim to travel to the main city.
Currently, there are two ferry boats that link people of Diwar, known for its traditional festivals like 'Bonderam' (festival of flags), to Ribander and Old Goa. Residents of Vanxim on the other hand, first take a ferry to Diwar and from there another to reach Ribandar or Old Goa, which is dotting Panaji city.
"There are some people who are wealthy, who don't want the bridge but most people in both the islands want a bridge to be constructed," social worker Jerry D'Souza, who has been at the forefront of a signature campaign on the issue, said.
The picturesque Diwar island, which is home to traditional Portuguese-era houses, has witnessed minor protests in the past demanding a bridge, but none turned into an effective one, given the peace-loving nature of the people, D'Souza's said, adding that his signature campaign organised at Diwar also failed to fetch desired results.
D'Souza, however, said that a lot of development has taken place in Diwar like getting underwater pipeline, but bridge demand is a key necessity for island dwellers.
"Few years back, you would have had to go through a bumpy ride to reach to any place on this island. But in the last two years, roads are tarred. Development has happened here," he said.