No replacement yet after Carvalho was relieved
MAPUSA
The sudden transfer of Public Works Department (NH) Executive Engineer Jude Carvalho, who was directly overseeing the ambitious elevated corridor project on NH-66 at Porvorim, has sparked speculation of political interference even as the progress of the project has slowed down.
Carvalho was relieved of his post on August 25 and relinquished charge immediately. However, his successor is yet to take over, resulting in a temporary lull in the work.
While the foundation and substructure works are complete and nearly 30 per cent of the superstructure has been erected, installation of precast segments has been halted.
Officials close to the contractor confirmed that fieldwork is continuing, but coordination on crucial issues has come to a standstill.
“The work on the ground is going on, but segment installation requires decisions and clearances from the State government’s representative. Since the officer in charge has been moved out and no replacement has arrived, things are stuck,” a company representative explained.
The timing of Carvalho’s transfer has raised questions within the department and outside.
Except for a single incident in May when a precast segment collapsed at the Sangolda junction due to a technical glitch, the project was progressing smoothly.
However, the recent closure of the NH stretch from O’Coqueiro junction to Mall de Goa during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival had triggered criticism, particularly from sections of the public and political class.
Insiders suggest that the sudden administrative decision may not be purely procedural, hinting at possible political pressure behind the move.
“Such abrupt transfers are rarely without a reason, especially when a project of this scale is in its crucial phase,” a PWD source remarked.
With the replacement officer yet to take charge, uncertainty looms over one of North Goa’s most important infrastructure projects and questions remain whether politics has once again come in the way of development.
