PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission has asked the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) to remove five rubberised precast speed breakers on the Gaundalim bridge and two similar non-compliant rumble strips at Madapai junction, observing that they should be replaced with hot-mix speed breakers by the end of November 2026.
In an inquiry report issued on Friday, the Commission of chairperson Justice Bharat Deshpande and members Desmond D’Costa and Pramod Kamat disposed of a complaint filed by Viraj Bakre, a member of the Betqui Candola Samvardhan Samitee, who had alleged that the speed breakers installed in 2024 on the major district road connecting Old Goa and Candola-Marcela were not compliant with prescribed standards.
The Commission noted that the South Goa Collector had earlier informed it that a notification regarding the laying of speed breakers was issued in December 2024 and that the proposal was intended to be in accordance with Indian Roads Congress specifications and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways guidelines.
GSIDC, in its reply, told the Commission that approvals were being processed and that a Notice Inviting Quotation would be issued in August, with the tender likely to be finalised in November after hot-mix plants reopen. The corporation said installation of hot-mix speed breakers was not feasible during the monsoon because the required temperature control and surface bonding could not be achieved in wet conditions. It also requested the district administration to maintain the existing rubber speed breakers in the interim.
Taking note of the monsoon conditions, the Commission said it was “just and proper” that the installation work be carried out after the rains.
“The Respondent No.1 (GSIDC) remove the five rubberised precast speed breakers and two similar non-compliant speed breakers (rumble strips) and complete the installation of the hot-mix speed breakers on the Gaundalim Bridge and at the Madapai Junction … by the end of November 2026,” reads an extract of the report.
The Commission has also sought comments from GSIDC on the action taken or proposed to be taken and asked that a response be filed within 150 days, on or before December 2, 2026.
