Fresh proposal follows positive signals from Centre; seeks to override earlier La Flor–Victor Hospital priority
File photo of traffic snarls near the Comba railway crossing for lack of a flyover.
MARGAO
In a move aimed at realigning infrastructure priorities in Goa’s commercial capital to ease traffic congestion, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat has stepped in to push for the construction of the long-pending Comba railway overbridge ahead of the La Flor–Victor Hospital elevated corridor.
Both the Comba railway flyover and the Victor Hospital–Hotel La Flor flyover were part of a priority list submitted by PWD Principal Chief Engineer U P Parsekar to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on November 20, 2023. While the La Flor–Victor Hospital project was proposed under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), the Comba railway overbridge was pitched under the Centre’s Setu Bandhan scheme, which focuses on eliminating level crossings to improve road safety and traffic flow.
However, the Centre granted approval in early 2024 to the Victor Hospital–La Flor flyover, triggering debate in Margao over project prioritisation. Residents, commuters, and civic voices pointed out that the Comba railway crossing—located in one of the town’s busiest stretches and surrounded by several educational institutions—frequently causes severe traffic snarls whenever the railway gate is shut.
The shift in approach comes after the Margao MLA, was inducted into the Pramod Sawant Cabinet as PWD Minister. “I have requested Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to prioritise the construction of the Comba road overbridge instead of the elevated La Flor–Victor Hospital ring road,” Kamat said. “After receiving a positive response from the Union Minister, we have forwarded a fresh proposal to the Centre for the Comba railway overbridge, estimated at Rs 112 crore.”
The Minister said the proposed overbridge is expected to significantly decongest traffic in the Comba area by ensuring uninterrupted movement across the railway line. It will also improve connectivity between key points such as Colva Circle, Khareband bridge, and the Margao city, streamlining intra-city traffic and reducing travel time during peak hours.
Kamat expressed optimism that the project will receive central approval within the next 10 to 12 days. If cleared, the development would mark a major step toward addressing one of Margao’s most persistent traffic choke points, with the potential to bring long-term relief to commuters, residents and students alike.
Missing link to Margao bypass finally approved;
Centre’s nod for road to boost access, cut detours
MARGAO: The long-standing connectivity gap between Margao city and the Western Bypass is finally set to be addressed, with a new link road project receiving approval from the Centre.
The move comes after concerns were raised over the limited utility of the high-cost bypass, which, despite being constructed at an expenditure of Rs 482 crore, remained largely disconnected from the city it was meant to serve.
In a report published on September 22, 2025, The Goan had highlighted how the absence of a direct link along a crucial three-kilometre stretch left residents and motorists with inconvenient alternatives. Commuters from Margao were forced either to travel via the Pedda–Benaulim route by crossing the Khareband bridge or head towards the Nuvem junction to access the bypass. This situation led to widespread criticism, with questions being raised about whether the bypass was designed primarily to facilitate through-traffic along the Kerala–Gujarat national highway corridor rather than to ease congestion within Margao itself.
Addressing these concerns, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat has secured approval from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for the construction of a dedicated link road. The project, estimated at Rs 15 crore, will soon be put to tender by the PWD.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Kamat pointed out that the western part of Margao, particularly the Comba area—home to a major educational hub—has long struggled with traffic congestion. “A significant volume of traffic from the coastal belt enters the city daily, especially towards the educational institutions in this area. This has been a persistent bottleneck,” he said.
Kamat further revealed that upon assuming charge of the PWD portfolio, he directed engineers to explore the feasibility of establishing a direct connection between the bypass and the city near the Vidya Vikas Mandal educational complex. “After receiving a positive technical assessment, I took up the matter with the Union Minister, who has been supportive in sanctioning the project,” he added.
Once completed, the new link road is expected to significantly improve accessibility to the Western Bypass. Residents of Margao will no longer need to take the bypass after crossing the Khareband bridge or detour via Nuvem to access the route for northbound or southbound travel. Instead, they will be able to join the bypass directly near the educational complex.
The project is also expected to ease daily commuting challenges for parents and students. Those travelling from coastal areas to the Comba-based institutions will be able to avoid entering the congested city centre via Khareband or the Colva–Mungul route, thereby reducing travel time and easing pressure on existing roads.
