Aims to restrict heavy vehicles blamed for repeated accidents on steep stretch
SAFETY FIRST: The newly installed height barrier on the Ganeshpuri–Mapusa side of the Ganeshpuri–Siolim–Marna road is aimed at preventing heavy and oversized vehicles from using the accident-prone stretch.
MAPUSA
In a move to improve road safety, the Public Works Department (PWD) has installed a height barrier on the Ganeshpuri–Mapusa side of the accident-prone Ganeshpuri–Siolim–Marna road to restrict the movement of heavy and oversized vehicles. A similar barrier is expected to be installed on the Siolim–Marna side in the coming days. Signboards have also been placed on both approaches to inform motorists about the height restrictions and the ban on large vehicles using the route.
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.
