Multiple dangerous incidents have sparked protests, outrage and urgent calls for intervention
A water pipeline burst near the flyover site after getting weakened by surrounding excavation on April 17.
VASCO
While development works are important for progress and connectivity, residents in and around Dabolim have repeatedly found themselves under threat due to alarming negligence by the contractor involved in the ongoing flyover construction.
Despite the significance of such infrastructure projects, the lack of safety measures has resulted in multiple dangerous incidents, sparking public outcry and appeals for urgent government intervention.
Residents and commuters in Dabolim and surrounding areas are increasingly alarmed over a series of dangerous incidents linked to the contractor involved in the construction of the Dabolim flyover. They have accusing authorities of turning a blind eye despite multiple life-threatening episodes.
From damaged fuel and water pipelines to fatal accidents and abrupt road closures, the situation has sparked protests, outrage, and urgent calls for intervention.
OCTOBER 17, 2024
Locals from Velsao and Zuarinagar launched a protest after the contractor and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) abruptly closed a 60-year-old Major District Road (MDR) at the Queeny Nagar junction.
The closure, without prior intimation, disrupted access to homes, shops, and essential services.
“The contractor had no proper plan, did not seek PWD permissions, and failed to inform even the local MLA,” said social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, who led the protest.
He also highlighted how the works had already damaged a water pipeline, cutting off supply to the area for two days.
Retired PWD engineer Joaquim Primo Souza, who had originally acquired land for the road, alleged that the NHAI contractor had overstepped jurisdiction.
Following mounting pressure, Cortalim MLA Anton Vas intervened on October 19, 2024, securing an assurance from the PWD that access via the MDR road would be restored.
JANUARY 31, 2025
One of the most serious lapses occurred when a fuel pipeline connecting the port to Zuari IAV’s tanking facility was damaged during excavation. A massive disaster was narrowly avoided as no fuel was being pumped at the time.
Shriprasad Nayak, Terminal Manager at Zuari IAV, stated that if the line had been active, the result could have been catastrophic.
Nayak further revealed that the company had repeatedly warned the contractor of the pipeline’s presence and even marked it with cement poles and pits. Despite this, excavation continued recklessly.
Nayak accused the contractor of arrogant behaviour and refusal to comply even when the company’s security personnel intervened.
“There have been several instances where we had to involve the police to halt the contractor’s work. Just two days prior to this incident, excavation was taking place dangerously close to the pipeline during active pumping. The contractor refused to listen, and the police had to step in,” he said.
Zuari IAV reiterated that the fuel pipeline is critical infrastructure that supplies petrol and diesel across the state. Any damage could paralyse fuel distribution and endanger thousands of lives.
FEBRUARY 12, 2025
A tourist taxi carrying two tourists fell into an open pit left by the contractor near Dabolim Junction. Luckily, no injuries were reported thanks to the airbags, but the incident triggered fresh panic.
“This could’ve been fatal if it were a two-wheeler. The site isn’t safely barricaded. What if this happens again, especially at night?” asked a resident, echoing community fears.
MARCH 4, 2025
A 30-year-old electricity department worker, Swapnil Chindarkar, was killed after a metal barricade collapsed on him. Eyewitnesses said the barricade, already weak, was hit by a JCB operating at the construction site.
The accident, which sparked outrage, led to emotional scenes as colleagues of the deceased gathered demanding accountability.
“It’s shocking that a worker lost his life due to something so preventable. This carelessness is costing lives,” one officer remarked.
APRIL 17,2025
A massive water pipeline burst near the flyover site after getting weakened by surrounding excavation and thousands of litres of drinking water were wasted after the pipeline.
PWD officials confirmed that the contractor had ignored warnings and failed to reinforce the area before digging.
"This is the second such incident in two days. There’s been no care taken despite our instructions," said a PWD official on-site.
CALLS FOR GOVT ACTION
Residents and activists are now demanding immediate government intervention.
Locals argue that while infrastructure development is necessary, it must not come at the cost of public safety. They have also questioned why the authorities, including the PWD and NHAI, continue to allow such dangerous negligence to go unchecked.
The repeated lapses — from water and fuel pipeline damage to life-threatening construction zones — have eroded public trust in the contractor’s ability to carry out the project safely.
