the goan I network
MAPUSA
The delay in completing the Bastora overbridge/underpass is causing a lot of inconvenience and hardship to motorists.
The narrow service roads have cracked at many places and in the first rains have developed several potholes.
Two-wheeler riders face the biggest risk to their lives due to the slippery condition of the roads in the rains.
Besides having to take a detour of almost 800 metres, motorists going towards Aldona face another hurdle while turning right at the make shift round about.
Vehicles travelling towards Patradevi come at full speed from behind making it difficult and risky for motorists to maneouvre the roundabout while turning right towards Aldona.
The authorities have failed to take adequate preventive measures like erecting proper sign boards or ensure speed limit due to ongoing works of the overbridge/underpass.
The situation turns even more dangerous in the nights, as the whole area is plunged into darkness due to the absence of street lights.
“Taking a right at the roundabout has become dangerous for two-wheeler riders like me. Besides having to keep constant watch for speeding vehicles behind, we have to also keep watch for potholes,” said Annice D’Souza of Bastora.
Sources said the traffic police and RTO officials make matters worse by stationing themselves at the roundabout waiting to penalise traffic offenders.
The PWD (highways) official told The Goan that the department had taken up the matter about fixing street lights in the area with the electricity department.
“According to power department officials, there is only HT (high tension) line passing along the highway. They can fix light fixtures only on LT (low tension) line,” the PWD official said.
While by now it’s certain that work on the underpass won’t be completed before monsoon, motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders will be left to fend for themselves.
