MARGAO
The South Goa District Road Safety Committee was on Friday informed that the PWD, National Highways, has proposed an underpass or an elevated stretch at the Pirnim road junction, Verna.
At the meeting held on Friday at the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex, PWD officials informed Committee members that the Verna-Western Bypass junction and the Cansaulim junction will get an underpass/elevated corridor as part of the project.
As for the demands of local elected representatives and citizens for similar arrangements at the Kesarval and Utorda road junctions, a senior PWD official said the PWD, NH has mooted proposals to the Union Minister for approvals.
The official said that an underpass/elevated corridor was not proposed at the Pirnim road junction in the original scope of work. He, however, said that based on the request of the MLA and citizens, the department has proposed an underpass/elevated corridor at the Pirnim junction for the smooth movement of vehicular traffic since the elevated corridor starting from Titan Verna is ending before the petrol pump.
Meanwhile, the meeting, chaired by Ana Rita Maria Paes, Deputy Collector (DRO), South, saw a presentation on the State Road Safety Audit made by CONCIUS, the consultant from Gujarat.
The meeting also discussed the monthly statement on pothole repairs by the respective PWD divisions, and the removal of stray cattle from NHs, SHs and MDRs will be taken up on priority.
The issue of the subways at Navelim, Nuvem and Verna was also discussed as these pedestrian subways were expected to receive upgrades as per the directives of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety.
Lorna Fernandes, Secretary, GOACAN, sought a detailed presentation on the AI cameras and traffic signals by M/s Beltech Limited. She also requested the Chair to include on the agenda of the next meeting the proposed four-laning of the Nuvem-Arlem Bypass in view of its importance to road users.
Rajesh Kale, Dy Director, Tourism South, stated that approved signage to prevent driving of vehicles by tourists on the beaches will shortly be installed with CSR funding.
