MARGAO
Even as residents of Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim hit the streets on Monday to protest over the government’s decision to build a flyover instead of road bypass on the NH-66, Cuncolim locals gathered on Tuesday to express gratitude to the government and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao for securing a flyover on the Panzorconne-Cuncolim stretch of NH-66.
The flyover, part of the highway’s realignment on stilts, will save houses previously threatened by the proposed four-lane expansion along the existing highway.
Nitin Kurade, a local resident, highlighted the community’s sustained efforts to reroute the highway alignment along the railway tracks. Initially, the proposal to expand NH-66 along its current path had sparked concerns over potential displacement of residents. Kurade praised MLA Yuri Alemao for persistently advocating for the residents, resulting in Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s announcement of the flyover.
Cuncolim Congress Block President Assiz Noronha and other community members recalled earlier efforts to protect local homes, dating back a decade, when the government considered a bypass near the railway tracks. However, in 2017, the alignment was unexpectedly shifted to Panzorconne. Former MLA Joaquim Alemao had raised the issue with then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who promised a resolution.
Since his election in 2022, MLA Yuri Alemao has been engaging with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to address the issue. Residents expressed relief and satisfaction that the government has finally opted for a flyover, preserving homes and structures along the highway. The decision marks a significant victory for the Cuncolim community.
