The decision follows a joint inspection carried out last month by PWD officials and members of the North Goa District Road Safety Committee after a series of accidents on the steep stretch. During the inspection, officials examined several safety concerns, including poor visibility, sharp gradients, inadequate signage, drainage issues and a lack of crash barriers.
As an immediate measure, the committee recommended the installation of height barriers on both sides of the road to prevent heavy and oversized vehicles from using the route. Such vehicles have been identified as a major cause of accidents on the steep descent. “With the installation of the height barrier, heavy and oversized vehicles will no longer be able to use the road. This will greatly help in reducing accidents on the steep slope,” a PWD official said.
The stretch has witnessed several accidents over the years, many involving heavy vehicles that reportedly suffered brake failures while descending the slope. In several cases, the vehicles crashed into a compound wall across the road before overturning.
Residents have repeatedly expressed concern over the dangers posed by the narrow road, steep gradient and frequent movement of heavy vehicles. They have urged authorities to take urgent corrective measures, especially with the monsoon season increasing the risks.
The issue was also highlighted by the Siolim Civic & Consumer Forum (SCCF), which drew attention to the growing safety hazards faced by motorists and local residents who use the road daily.
Officials believe the new restrictions on heavy vehicles will significantly improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents on one of North Goa’s most hazardous road stretches.
