While the government is seriously pursuing a bypass for mining traffic plying between Uguem and Capxem, demands have begun to grow for another bypass in the region.
CURCHOREM
Locals from Quepem want a bypass from Taak to Shirvoi to divert heavy vehicles presently passing through the busy Quepem Bazaar road.
Stating that Quepem town does not have wide roads to cater to mining transport and local transport at the same time, Quepem MLA Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar reiterated that if the Quepem Bazaar bypass is taken up, many issues related to heavy traffic would be solved.
“The Quepem Bazaar bypass road is the need of the hour for the safety of Quepem people. This proposed bypass road between Taak and Shirvoi will help divert heavy vehicles from Quepem Bazaar road,” he said.
It may be recalled that two women had lost their lives in an accident involving a mining truck and a scooter at Tilamol, prompting strong protests from people who demanded a mining corridor for mining traffic.
In a bid to allay the tension, the deputy collector had convened a meeting with all stakeholders, including the agitators, to discuss the proposed Uguem-Capxem mining bypass. During the meeting, the issue of Quepem Bazaar bypass was also raised.
South Goa Collector Sachin Shinde, who was present at the meeting, had agreed that the Quepem Bazaar bypass road would help divert heavy vehicle transport from Quepem town, addressing traffic congestion in the area.
Shinde, however, had stated that the Taak-Shirvoi bypass should not be exclusive for mining traffic, but should also cater to civilian traffic.
Providing more details on the proposed Taak-Shirvoi bypass, Kavlekar said the road was his pet project.
“Land acquisition for 8 kms of the proposed bypass project was done during the previous Congress government. I want this project for people’s convenience and their safety,” said the MLA.
“At present, some trucks and heavy vehicles pass through the busy Quepem town roads, which are narrow and meant for civilian traffic. The locals face constant traffic congestion and road mishaps take place.”
“I feel the government should seriously pursue the Quepem Bazaar bypass project, as it will be for the benefit and safety of people in Quepem taluka,” Kavlekar added.
