PWD phases NH-66 closure, balances traffic flow
SMOOTH DRIVE: Traffic on NH-66 at Porvorim flowed smoothly on Thursday despite a two-month closure notice, with restrictions being enforced only in phases.
MAPUSA
The Public Works Department (PWD), wary of costly arbitration delays, has opted for a phased closure of the NH-66 right-hand side (RHS) carriageway between Aradi junction, Socorro and the Sangolda bypass.
Despite the two-month closure notice kicking in from midnight on Wednesday, traffic flowed smoothly on Thursday morning, with motorists experiencing little to no disruption as restrictions are being enforced gradually to keep the corridor project on track for timely completion.
The closure, announced to take effect from midnight of September 17, was expected to divert traffic heading from Panaji towards Mapusa through O’Coqueiro junction and onto the Chogm Road.
However, motorists found no visible disruptions, with traffic moving as usual along the stretch.
PWD officials clarified that the restrictions are being implemented in phases to facilitate ongoing work on the Porvorim elevated corridor, a major infrastructure project along the busy highway.
“It’s a partial closure, and therefore the flow of traffic will appear normal. We are introducing closures phase-wise. In another 10 days we will issue a fresh notification announcing further closures,” a PWD official told The Goan.
Officials admitted, however, that the speed of work remains a concern.
Sources in the department pointed out that the construction company requires adequate access to launch precast segments for the elevated structure. Any delay in providing clear access could risk the contractor raising disputes.
“If the company feels it has not received enough cooperation from the State government, it could go for arbitration. Such arbitration cases have cost governments crores of rupees in other parts of the country,” a senior PWD official warned.
“As a tourist state, traffic will surge from December onwards. We must therefore make the best use of these two months to push maximum progress on the project,” the official said.
The project, which is being executed in phases, has already faced time extensions. The contractor has been granted an extended deadline until October 2026 but is currently targeting August 2026 for completion.
PWD engineers stressed that the department is working closely with the contractor to ensure no hindrance comes from the State’s side.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to see that the elevated corridor is completed on time. This is a flagship project that will ease congestion along one of Goa’s busiest stretches,” a PWD engineer added.
The elevated corridor at Porvorim is considered a critical infrastructure upgrade aimed at decongesting NH-66, which serves as the lifeline connecting North Goa to the State capital. Motorists are expected to face more diversions and restrictions as work advances in the coming weeks.
