The issue was discussed at the Colvale gram sabha, where residents said schoolchildren, senior citizens and other pedestrians face daily risk while crossing the busy national highway.
Locals pointed out that areas such as Chichalim, Tuvar-vaddo, Khursa-vaddo, St Anthony-vaddo and Ambedkar College lie on one side of the highway, while the main market, panchayat office and other key services are on the other. As a result, people from at least five wards are forced to cross the highway, often putting their lives in danger.
The demand has become more urgent after the death of former panchayat member Michael Fernandes in a road accident. His wife, Liberata Fernandes, is currently a member of the Colvale panchayat.
Speaking at the gram sabha, resident Prakash Korgoankar said the need for an underpass has been raised several times earlier but has not received proper attention from the authorities.
“Besides the recent accident involving the former panchayat member, several accidents have taken place on this stretch over the years. We hope the concerned departments will now take up the matter with the highway authorities and find a permanent solution,” he said.
Another resident, Thomas Menezes, said an underpass is necessary for the safe movement of pedestrians and would also help improve traffic flow on the highway.
The villagers urged the panchayat to take up the matter formally with the National Highways authorities and local MLA Nilkant Halarnkar.
Responding to the concerns, Colvale Sarpanch Ritesh Varkhandkar assured the gram sabha that the panchayat would write to the MLA and approach the concerned departments to seek construction of the underpass.
Varkhandkar also raised concerns over incomplete service roads along the highway, saying the Public Works Department had not removed structures despite several commercial establishments already receiving compensation.
“The panchayat is ready to act against illegal structures blocking the service road, but the PWD must take proactive steps to clear the encroachments so that the remaining work can be completed,” he said.
