Delay in rehab, land hurdles stall NH-66 service road works
MISSING LINKS, MOUNTING RISKS: A 200-metre stretch on both sides of NH-66 at Guirim remains incomplete, with the absence of service roads contributing to traffic congestion and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
Incomplete stretches of service roads along the National Highway (NH-66) in parts of North Goa are posing a serious threat to road safety and causing disruptions in traffic flow.
Despite their relatively short lengths, these unfinished portions have become a cause for concern among motorists and authorities alike.
At least three stretches – in Guirim, Colvale and Ugvem in Pernem – remain incomplete, forcing vehicles to dangerously merge onto the highway at high-speed zones, raising the risk of accidents, some of which have already turned fatal.
In Guirim, a stretch of approximately 200 metres on both sides of the highway remains incomplete.
According to PWD (NH) Executive Engineer Jude Carvalho, around 12 houses need to be demolished to make way for the road, and the delay stems from pending rehabilitation of the affected families.
“We have developed rehabilitation plots near Guirim Cross and are awaiting government approval. Once that comes through, we will proceed,” Carvalho said, adding that rent will be paid to the displaced families for a year to help them build their new homes.
In Colvale, a 200-metre stretch of the service road on one side is incomplete due to pending land acquisition from the Goa Housing Board.
“We have formally requested the required land, but are still awaiting a response from the Board,” Carvalho explained.
Meanwhile, in Ugvem-Pernem, only a 60-metre stretch remains to be completed. Unlike the other two locations, all land acquisition formalities have been completed here, and work is expected to resume shortly.
Motorists using these service roads are often forced to abruptly enter the main carriageway, endangering themselves and disturbing high-speed traffic on NH-66.
The lack of smooth transition points not only creates bottlenecks but also increases the likelihood of accidents.
Though the road gaps may appear minor in length, their impact on safety and traffic management is significant, highlighting the urgent need for completion of these service stretches.
On Tuesday, a government official tragically lost his life in a road accident on NH-66 at Guirim after a mini-bus emerging from the service road suddenly entered the highway and collided with his scooter, running over him and causing his death on the spot.
GOACAN Coordinator and member of the North Goa District Road Safety Committee, Roland Martins, said the recent accident involving the government official should serve as a wake-up call for authorities.
He pointed out that the quality of service roads is substandard and flagged concerns over poorly designed convergence points where service roads merge with the highway, which, he said, can easily lead to accidents.
Martins stressed the need for local road safety committees at the panchayat and municipal levels to inspect such vulnerable spots and address the issues proactively.
