MAPUSA
In a major respite for commuters and locals ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the government has deferred its earlier decision to close the busy NH-66 stretch between O’Coqueiro junction and Mall de Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday announced that the proposed road closure for the elevated corridor work will not be enforced immediately.
“Porvorim road stretch on NH-66 will not be closed for traffic until after Ganesh Chaturthi,” he said, adding that a decision would be taken only after the first five days of the festival and with proper planning.
Last week, the Public Works Department (PWD) had issued a notice announcing closure of the entire left-side carriageway of the highway, from O’Coqueiro junction to Mall de Goa, from August 24 to January 31, 2026.
The move had drawn flak as the festival is celebrated on a large scale across Goa.
Revised traffic plan
PWD officials clarified that instead of shutting the road near O’Coqueiro junction, the closure point has been shifted about 500 metres further, allowing motorists access to an additional lane.
To ease congestion, the one-way lane opposite Mall de Goa has been split into two, enabling vehicles to head towards Panaji during peak hours. Traffic is also being diverted through the internal BB Borkar road to take pressure off the highway.
Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes and drive cautiously until the ongoing works are completed.
The CM has also directed PWD to first repair potholes along diversion routes before any closure is implemented.
Tourism Minister’s objection
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte had earlier expressed strong reservations over the sudden move to shut the crucial Porvorim stretch during the festive season.
His concerns, coupled with mounting pressure from commuters and residents, led to the government’s rethink.
The deferment is expected to bring significant relief to daily highway users, especially during the festive rush, though a full closure of the stretch looms after Chaturthi once preparatory works are completed.
