PANAJI: The current ongoing road widening work along NH-17 coupled with lack of precautionary measures has made life risky for motorists, especially during heavy rains.
The widening of NH-17 from Patradevi to Carassvaddo has been going on at a very fast pace to make travel safe and hassle-free.
However, the PWD and concerned contractors have not taken any safety measures while carrying out these highway widening works. People have expressed their ire over this negligence.
The work on NH-17 to make a four-lane road from Patradevi to Pollem is going on in full swing. Heavy machinery, trucks and other things are pressed in to undertake work. Heaps of mud, stones and other debris are lined up along borders of the highway. The felling of trees near the highway adds to the problem. Moreover, the first rains have led to the edges of some roads sinking while in other instances the mud dumped along roads has been washed on to the roads, making it dangerous for vehicles.
“It is difficult for motorists to judge the road, especially at sharp turns and during heavy rains. There is a constant fear of falling off,” motorists have said.
It is a struggle for two-wheelers while riding on highways. Drivers of light motor vehicles tend to lose control over their vehicles.
Continued on P4
Flying squad for highway safety by next week, says Dhavalikar
PANAJI: When the issue of safety during widening works of NH 17 was brought before PWD minister Sudin Dhavalikar, he assured that a flying squad for the purpose would be set up by next week. “A team of PWD engineers will be set up to review the widening works of NH17 from Patradevi to Pollem and they will be directed to undertake corrective measures on the places that are hazardous during the monsoons,” informed Dhavalikar while requesting motorists to ride carefully during the monsoons.
