Says urgent measures planned to ease public inconvenience
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat during a joint inspection of the pothole-ridden stretch near Vales Junction along with Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and officials.
VASCO
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat on Monday afternoon directed the PWD and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure that no flyover or bridge works begins in the State without a dedicated and proper service road for commuters.
Kamat issued the order during a joint inspection of the pothole-ridden stretch near Vales Junction, which has drawn widespread criticism from residents, commuters and pedestrians. The situation turned grave after two people recently lost their lives due to the ongoing flyover works.
The minister carried out the inspection along with Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, NHAI officials, DySP (Traffic), police, Sancoale ZP Anita Thorat, Chicalim Sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav and other panchayat members.
During the visit, he examined the road condition, reviewed NHAI’s plans, and heard concerns raised by the public.
Addressing the media, Kamat said urgent measures had been planned to ease public inconvenience.
“Authorities have promised me that both roads will be hotmixed by September 30 unless there are heavy rains, in which case they cannot start the hotmix plant. They are expecting to start the plant by September 20, and it will take them a maximum of two days to complete the work,” Kamat said.
He stressed that the government would no longer allow projects to proceed without commuter-friendly infrastructure.
“I have given directions to the PWD Chief Engineer that across Goa, wherever there are works of flyovers or bridges, construction should not be started before a proper service road is in place. I do not want any complaints from commuters. People curse ministers and the government, and they are not wrong because they are facing a lot of inconvenience,” Kamat remarked.
The minister also outlined additional safety requirements.
“I have told authorities to make proper service roads for the main road diversions planned for this flyover work. These new service roads will be for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, not for heavy vehicles, and they must be created in consultation with panchayat members and local residents. Agencies are also directed to install all necessary signages within ten days and inform the DySP Traffic, who will then inspect the site and submit a report to me. Only after this clearance will we allow further works,” Kamat said.
Kamat informed the agencies that he would return to the site to ensure compliance with his directions, and stressed that good roads, public safety and commuter convenience would remain his top priority.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who had raised concerns over safety in the area, welcomed the intervention.
“The barricades have to be properly visible with neon signs and reflective lights so that people can see. There has to be proper illumination in the area,” Godinho said.
“I have requested that foolproof barricades be put up so that people don’t fall, because we have had two very unfortunate deaths of young people here.”
