PANAJI: Opposition leaders have stepped up their criticism of the government over the safety arrangements and traffic management on the newly opened Porvorim Elevated Corridor, with both demanding immediate corrective action following the fatal crash that claimed two lives within 24 hours of the corridor opening.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao questioned the government’s accountability for the project, alleging that responsibility was being passed from one authority to another despite the use of public funds. “People are washing their hands of responsibility. When you are responsible, and crores of rupees have been paid from the public exchequer, you have to take responsibility for the deaths,” Alemao said.
Calling the situation a result of “unplanned development”, Alemao questioned how the corridor was inaugurated when key stakeholders were allegedly not taken into confidence. “It is shocking to see that the local MLA says he was not taken into confidence, while the PWD Minister claims ignorance. Then why was it inaugurated?” he asked.
Alemao also alleged that the project was being driven by considerations other than public safety, saying, “People of Porvorim have been troubled by this kind of development. The focus is only on a commission racket. It is shocking and shameful.”
Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai also criticised the government’s response, arguing that further studies and assessments cannot become a substitute for immediate measures to ease the problems faced by commuters. “‘No immediate solution’ is NOT an answer to the people of Porvorim,” Sardesai said.
“For months, Goans have been stuck in endless traffic, losing precious hours every single day. And now, after all this suffering, the government tells them it needs more time to study and analyse the problem,” he said. Sardesai questioned how much longer commuters would have to wait for relief. “How much more time do Goans have to lose? How much longer must Porvorim suffer?” he asked.
The GFP chief said the elevated corridor had been presented to the public as a solution to congestion and should not become the reason for another round of studies and reports. “The Porvorim Elevated Corridor was sold to Goans as a solution to congestion. It cannot now become an excuse for another round of studies, assessments and reports,” Sardesai said.
He demanded immediate intervention on the ground, listing access points, bottlenecks, service roads and traffic management among the areas requiring attention. “Goans don’t need another report. They need results. They don’t need excuses. They need action,” he said. “Fix the bottlenecks. Fix the access points. Fix the service roads. Fix the traffic management,” Sardesai added.
Sardesai said the government must now prioritise commuters and act without further delay. “Put Goans First. Put commuters First. Put Goa First. Porvorim has waited long enough. The government must act NOW,” he said.
