MAPUSA
The main carriageway of National Highway 66 (NH-66) at Malpe near Pernem, which had remained closed since July last year due to a landslide, is set to reopen for traffic by the end of this month.
The slope stabilisation work, which was undertaken as part of the restoration efforts, is nearing completion, according to Jude Carvalho, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD) (NH).
As per the latest update, the right-hand side (RHS) of the carriageway will be made accessible to commuters by the end of February, while the left-hand side (LHS) is expected to be fully operational by March 15.
The landslide which occurred on July 7, 2024 following heavy rainfall, caused significant disruption along the NH-66 bypass at Malpe. Large debris blocked the highway, rendering it unusable for vehicular movement.
As an interim solution, traffic was rerouted through an older internal road that passes through nearby villages, causing inconvenience to daily commuters.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the authorities promptly engaged a consultant from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to assess the damage and recommend remedial measures to prevent further slope failure.
Restoration and
stabilisation measures
The restoration work was executed by MVR Infra Pvt Ltd.
The process involved stabilising the slope through proper benching techniques and reconstructing the retaining wall that had collapsed due to the landslide.
“Proper benching was done to stabilise the cut slope while the damaged retaining wall has been reconstructed. We are expecting to clear the highway of debris and throw open the RHS of the carriageway by month-end,” said Carvalho.
While the retaining wall was rebuilt under the defect liability period, the benching process “ critical to preventing future landslides “ was carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore.
Although restoration efforts commenced soon after the landslide, continuous heavy rainfall hampered progress, delaying the crucial slope stabilisation process.
Additionally, the benching of the slope required extra land to be acquired. This request was processed under the Disaster Management Act and approved by the North Goa Collector, facilitating the completion of the necessary restoration work.
Upcoming road
reopening
With the completion of major restoration activities, authorities are now focused on clearing the remaining debris and finalising safety measures before fully reopening the highway to traffic.
Motorists can expect smoother transit through the region as NH-66 resumes normal operations in a phased manner.
The reopening of NH-66 at Malpe is expected to bring much-needed relief to daily commuters and transport operators who have faced prolonged inconvenience due to the closure of the main highway.
