The huge scaffolding collapse of the under-construction flyover near Kesarval has triggered panic and fear among people. It was a narrow miss for many negotiating the traffic-busy route. Luckily, the structure collapsed towards the hillock side, giving a scare to the motorists a few metres away. A fall towards the roadside could have spelt disaster. This sends us a grim reminder that safety of motorists along the route has been long buried and forgotten.
The scaffolding is a metal support structure between two or multiple pillars facilitating laying of concrete slab of the flyover. Motorists have been constantly exposed to risks of negotiating an uncertain terrain along the route between Kesarval slope and the Agassaim bypass. The scaffolding collapse raises fears of a tragedy where such structures are erected in close proximity to the road, in some cases virtually intersecting the highway, like the start point of Agassaim bypass.
A collapse of this nature can prove catastrophic since there is a continuous flow of traffic along the route. Contractor Dilip Buildcon was quick to issue a brief statement about the mishap. The contractor blames it on soil displacement from the hillock while priding itself with an impeccable safety and quality records. Buildcon may be exuding confidence about its work, but the picture on the ground is in stark contrast, one of extreme peril to life.
Motorists have been exposed to high risks with no safety precautions in place, except for the caution signboards put up at various spots. Heavy machinery continues to move along the route, including tower cranes and high-lifts working overhead. The traffic chaos continues. Motorists at some stretches have to depend on the illumination used by the contractor for his work at night.
That leaves one to wonder if anyone at all cares for the lives of people taking the road. While the State is gradually soaking itself in election frenzy, the Goemkar on the road is long forgotten and ignored. He is left to find his own way through a maze of uncertainties.
Lest we forget, the road diversion at the Zuari bridge was a subject of an intense debate in December last year. Politicos cutting across coalition lines had taken positions objecting to a proposal of an extended 20-km detour. Considering the safety of motorists, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar had announced a two-lane service road parallel to the railway track in consultation with TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, Dabolim MLA and Panchyat Minister Mauvin Godinho and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha. Work was to compete in a month’s time, starting January-end. Till date there is no sign of the road or the politicos who were involved in the plan. It’s been nearly two months now and work on the proposed parallel road has not
even begun.
The scaffolding collapse is a wake-up call. Politicos who keep reiterating about their Goemkarponn commitment need to wake up to the fact that motorists are at grave risk, every day. Goemkarponn must be accomplished in deeds otherwise it will always remain a pointless political slogan.
