MAPUSA
The National Highways authorities are set to commence work on the long-awaited Vehicular Underpass (VUP) at Peddem Junction, a project expected to take nearly two years to complete.
The development marks a major step towards addressing a long-pending demand of residents of Peddem, Camarcazan and Acoi, who have, for over a decade, flagged serious safety concerns at the busy junction where multiple roads converge.
The Centre has floated a tender worth approximately Rs 33 crore for the construction of the VUP, with the project stipulated to be completed within 540 days from the date of issuance of the work order.
Once completed, the underpass is expected to significantly reduce traffic conflicts and improve safety and connectivity for residents on both sides of the National Highway.
In preparation for the commencement of work, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira convened a meeting with officials to review and finalise traffic management measures during the construction phase.
The meeting was attended by the Assistant Engineer of the Public Works Department (National Highways) and Mapusa Police Inspector (Traffic Cell) Marlon DeSouza.
Discussions focused on traffic diversions, alternate routes and other modalities to minimise inconvenience to the public.
Peddem Junction serves as a critical access point for several residential areas that form an integral part of Mapusa town but are divided by the National Highway.
Over the years, the junction has witnessed frequent traffic bottlenecks and several near-miss incidents, especially during peak hours, disrupting access to schools, colleges, hospitals, the Mapusa market and the Peddem stadium.
Ferreira clarified that while accidents have been reported on stretches before and after the junction, there have been no major accidents at the junction itself, making proposals to close it impractical.
“Closing the junction was neither practical nor recommended. I had urged the Chief Minister not to proceed with such a move, as it would have caused severe inconvenience to residents,” he said.
As a temporary measure, traffic signals were installed at Peddem Junction on a trial basis to regulate vehicular movement.
During the meeting, officials also discussed widening service roads and creating additional traffic provisions to ensure smoother flow during construction, with the aim of minimising disruption to daily commuters.
