NH-66 closure to start Apr 15 as corridor work enters new phase

Full-throttle segment launch near Socorro junction forces authorities to close stretches along the busy NH-66 highway in Porvorim.

Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira

MAPUSA

The Public Works Department (national highways division) has announced a phased closure of stretches along the busy NH-66 highway in Porvorim to facilitate the next critical stage of construction of the elevated corridor.

The closure is expected to begin from April 15 onwards, coinciding with the segment launching work reaching the Socorro junction.

The move is part of the ongoing infrastructure development aimed at decongesting the Porvorim stretch of NH-66, which connects Panaji to Mapusa and serves as a vital lifeline for north Goa commuters.

With the project entering an intensive phase of segment launching, authorities stress that the closure is essential to ensure safety for both workers and road users.

Executive Engineer at PWD (NH), Jude Carvalho emphasised that while the road closures are necessary, adequate diversion routes will be activated to minimise inconvenience for commuters.

“Closure is required for safety reasons. Notifications will be issued at appropriate times so that commuters can plan their journey accordingly,” Carvalho said.

The stretch-wise closure is planned in phases and will progress as the segment launching moves forward.

Within the next week, the project is expected to reach the Socorro signal junction, necessitating the start of the closures from April 15.

PROGRESS UPDATE

The elevated corridor project in Porvorim has made significant headway since its inception. According to the PWD: 100% of pile and pile cap work has been completed; all 530 piles and 88 pile caps have been successfully installed;  94% of pier work is complete, with 82 out of 88 piers and pier caps finished; work on the remaining six piers was expected to be completed by March 31 but was delayed due to the removal of high-tension power lines and relocation of the Khapreshwar temple and a banyan tree; 376 segments, representing 27% of total 1,431 segments, have been cast, with several already launched; so far, 13 spans out of 87 (around 15%) have been launched.

PWD officials reiterated that while civil works are progressing steadily, certain unforeseen factors – like delays in utility shifting and environmental considerations – have caused minor setbacks in the schedule.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES

To mitigate the disruption caused by the phased closures, the PWD has prepared diversion routes that will be activated alongside each closed section.

These alternate routes are aimed at maintaining traffic flow and ensuring that daily commuters, emergency vehicles and public transport services face minimal disruption.

The PWD has assured the public that advance intimation and signage will be put in place and traffic police will be deployed to guide motorists through detours.

LOOKING AHEAD

Once complete, the elevated corridor is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion along the Porvorim stretch of NH-66 and reduce travel time between Panaji and Mapusa.

The project is one of the key infrastructure initiatives under the central and state governments’ push to modernize Goa’s transport network.