MAPUSA
The government has begun rolling back the access restrictions around the Porvorim Elevated Corridor, reopening one crucial route from Wednesday and assuring that two more entry/exit points will be opened within the next few days after necessary modifications by the PWD.
The first relief came for motorists travelling from Merces towards Porvorim, Calangute and other parts of North Goa. From Wednesday, vehicles coming via the Atal Setu can exit near Hotel Neo Majestic, Porvorim, before the entry point of the elevated corridor and proceed towards their destinations.
However, two-wheelers will continue to remain barred from the route.
“Motorists, except two-wheelers, proceeding from Merces towards Porvorim/Calangute will be permitted to use the Atal Setu from the Merces side with effect from today. These motorists shall exit the Atal Setu near Hotel Neo Majestic, Porvorim, before the entry point of the Porvorim Elevated Corridor,” stated the travel advisory issued by SP Traffic.
The opening follows Monday’s review of traffic movement around the corridor, during which the government had decided to progressively restore access at three strategic points.
DySP Traffic, North Goa, Sudesh Narvekar said the remaining two routes would be opened once the PWD completes modifications at the respective locations.
“It will take some days. Once the PWD does the necessary modifications, vehicles coming from Panaji from the Mandovi bridges will be allowed to cut in near Hotel Majestic and take the elevated corridor for the onward journey to North Goa,” Narvekar said.
The third route will provide access to motorists coming from Porvorim, allowing them to enter the Atal Setu – an option that remains prohibited at present.
The restrictions were imposed after a fatal crash near Neo Majestic claimed two lives, triggering concerns over the design and safety of the entry and exit arrangements and forcing local traffic onto already congested service roads.
The phased reopening now offers some relief to motorists, particularly those travelling between Panaji, Porvorim and North Goa.
But the changes are being implemented even as proper signs and lane markings at the reopened access points are yet to be put in place, raising the need for clear traffic guidance as the routes become operational.
For now, the government’s promised easing of restrictions has begun – but motorists will have to wait a few more days for the full three-route arrangement to take shape.
