MAPUSA
After persistent complaints from motorists and pedestrians, the Public Works Department (PWD) (National Highways) and the contractor have commenced repair work on the hazardous highway stretch from Sangolda Junction to Mall de Goa in Porvorim.
The black-topping of the road, part of temporary measures to ease daily travel woes, began recently and is expected to provide some relief until permanent solutions are implemented.
Executive Engineer, PWD (NH), Jude Carvalho confirmed that the repairs have started with full-grout black-topping from the HDFC Bank leading up to the Mall de Goa section.
"The road opposite Dr Pinto Rosario Hospital and other problematic stretches along the 6 km stretch will also be repaired soon," he said.
The ongoing construction of the six-lane elevated corridor has rendered the stretch highly unsafe, prompting the authorities to take immediate action. However, Carvalho clarified that these measures are temporary and will be removed once the elevated corridor project progresses to its hot-mixing stage.
Further plans include the construction of drains and utility ducts along the highway after the elevated corridor is launched.
"Currently, there’s no space to carry out such work. Of the 25-metre road width, 14 meters are occupied for excavation, leaving just 11 metres “ 5.5 metres on either side “ for vehicle movement," Carvalho explained.
In addition to the highway repairs, the PWD Division 13 (roads) will address the section between the highway and the Shivaji statue junction at Porvorim.
The unsafe conditions along this route, exacerbated by construction activities, have been a major concern for commuters.
A report by The Goan recently highlighted the severe inconvenience caused by the deteriorating road conditions between Sangolda Junction and Mall de Goa.
Addressing a public interest litigation (PIL) on road safety, the High Court of Bombay at Goa had also directed the PWD and the contractor to implement improvements suggested during a joint site inspection.
These measures are now being carried out to ensure safer passage for road users amid the ongoing project.
The elevated corridor, a key infrastructure project, promises to ease traffic congestion in the area once completed.
Until then, commuters will have to navigate the challenges posed by temporary measures and ongoing construction work.
