MAPUSA
Following public outrage over deteriorating road conditions across the State, the Public Works Department (PWD) has launched an extensive operation to repair potholes on key arterial roads.
The prolonged and intense monsoon season has left a significant portion of the road network in a severely damaged state, with numerous potholes rendering roads nearly impassable.
Officials cited a combination of factors for the current state of the roads. Monsoon rainfall, which extended well into October, resulted in prolonged waterlogging and severe damage to road surfaces.
Additionally, infrastructure projects, particularly the laying of underground utility services, required roads to be dug up before the rainy season, further worsening road conditions as heavy rains swept in.
PWD officials have stated that repairs to approximately 1,200 km of damaged roads are being prioritised, with work currently underway in 26 to 27 areas across the State.
“We are tackling the repairs on a war footing,” said Uttam Parsekar, Principal Chief Engineer. “Initially, all potholes are being filled using hotmix material, with full-scale hotmixing scheduled for later,”he added.
Residents of Panaji have borne the brunt of the worsening road conditions.
The city is currently undergoing extensive development as part of the “Smart City” initiative, which aims to improve urban infrastructure.
However, the ongoing work has left the capital’s road network in disarray, with several partially repaired roads making navigation a nightmare for commuters.
In response to the outcry, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who oversees the PWD, had issued a stern directive for all roads to be made motorable by the end of November.
Contractors and PWD engineers have been warned to expedite repairs, with show-cause notices issued to those responsible for delays.
To further enforce accountability, Sawant has mandated the reassignment of all engineers who have worked in the roads division for five years or more. For citizens, however, these directives may offer little immediate comfort.
After enduring what many describe as the worst road conditions in recent memory, residents await visible improvement as the PWD’s repair efforts intensify.
