The widening of the crucial stretch from Gandhi Chowk to Bodgeshwar Temple is moving at a snail’s pace and is unlikely to be completed before the rains.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
With the monsoon fast approaching, the long-pending road widening and improvement work on the key stretch from Gandhi Chowk to Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa shows little sign of completion, raising serious concerns among commuters and residents alike.
The 520-metre stretch, which is being expanded into a four-lane road with a central median and footpaths, connects Mapusa town to major beach destinations like Calangute and Anjuna, and nearby villages.
Though the project promises smoother traffic flow and enhanced pedestrian safety in the long run, current delays are causing severe inconvenience.
Adding to the delays are the re-construction of two culverts and the ongoing relocation of underground water pipelines.
According to sources close to the project, these tasks are expected to take additional time, potentially pushing the project’s completion well beyond the monsoon season.
Residents say the situation is particularly grim at night.
“The street lights haven’t been working for weeks. After dark, this entire stretch becomes a danger zone. It’s almost impossible to walk or drive through this road safely,” said Rajiv Kundaikar, a daily commuter.
Last year’s monsoon had already exposed the vulnerabilities of this road. Commuters had to deal with broken surfaces, potholes and flooding. With the work still incomplete, residents fear a repeat of last year’s hardships. “We had a harrowing time last monsoon and it looks like nothing has changed. We were promised timely completion, but it’s all talk and no action,” said Meera Naik, a local shop owner.
To make matters worse, the contractor undertaking the roadwork has reportedly failed to implement basic safety measures.
There are no visible warning signs or caution tapes around the construction zones, posing risks to both motorists and pedestrians.
Despite the current mess, officials insist the end result will be worth the wait.
