PORVORIM
Voicing displeasure over ongoing work on the Porvorim Elevated Corridor, Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte on Thursday said the contractor had started the work without a proper presentation to the government and without a proper traffic management plan.
Khaunte alleged the elevated corridor work began without prior notice, emphasising the need for contractors to involve local authorities before any work commences.
He was interacting with the contractor in the presence of officials from the PWD, TCP department, Dy Collector’s office (Mapusa), Mamlatdar office (Mapusa), Attorney of Serula Communidade Peter Fernandes, Penha de Franca Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar, Socorro Sarpanch Sonia Pednekar, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) S Shirodkar and Traffic Police Inspector Sanjit Kandolkar.
Later while speaking to reporters, Khaunte said the company has started work without a proper presentation to the government on the traffic management plan.
“The Bardez Mamaltdar has not been informed about diversion of heavy vehicular traffic. Thousands of vehicles pass along the Mapusa-Panaji highway via Porvorim every hour. There is a need to stop movement of heavy vehicular traffic through this road. This has not been done as yet and heavy trucks still pass through Porvorim even as work on the elevated corridor has started,” said Khaunte.
Pointing out the necessity to adhere strictly to approved plans, MLA Khaunte expressed reservations about potential disruptions to local amenities.
“We cannot permit new constructions that compromise our established infrastructure,” he asserted during the inspection.
Additionally, Khaunte pointed out specific discrepancies such as drainage systems conflicting with established road layouts.
“Water pipeline, sewage lines, underground electric cables, etc. should not be damaged. There should be well coordinated work with all departments concerned with minimum disturbance to the public,” insisted Khaunte.
TRAFFIC PLAN
The minister recalled having repeatedly stressed at meetings that no work on the elevated corridor should begin without making arrangement of alternate roads.
“These new roads should have been constructed before starting the work, but the work has begun without a proper traffic management plan. Hence, there is confusion and concern among commuters and the public,” said Khaunte.
“The contractor has been asked to present details of the work planned by them and after discussing the same with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, necessary suggestions will be made to them. They have agreed to make a detailed presentation on June 22,” said Khaunte.
The minister emphasised the necessity for effective coordination with local stakeholders, including the panchayat and traffic police, to ensure comprehensive planning and minimal disruption to daily life.
SERVICE ROAD
Khaunte directed the contractor not to disturb the Porvorim Service Road under any circumstances.
“No portion of the Service Road should be cut for any purpose. The Service Road is a dream project of Porvorim constituency and activities like NoMoZo, etc. take place on this Service Road every year.”
