MAPUSA
Despite recent setbacks, construction work on the elevated corridor project continues steadily from the Majestic Hotel side, with the launching of precast concrete segments progressing uninterrupted.
However, at the Sangolda junction end, operations remain temporarily suspended following a mechanical failure that led to an accident on Sunday.
The accident occurred when a precast segment came crashing down due to an electro-mechanical malfunction in the launching girder. According to officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), the failure was traced to a cracked winch or gear in the hoisting mechanism, which has since been flagged for urgent replacement.
“A specific part in the hoisting system”likely a winch or gear”cracked, causing the segment to fall. The contractor has already placed an order for the replacement component, and work at the Sangolda end will resume as soon as the new part is installed,” a senior PWD official confirmed.
While the incident raised fresh concerns about safety at the site”particularly given the busy service lanes adjacent to the construction zone”no fatalities were reported. Two individuals sustained injuries but are said to be in stable condition.
The PWD has assured the public that the halt at the Sangolda junction will not affect the overall timeline of the project. “The project remains well ahead of schedule. The temporary suspension on one end will not impact the planned completion date,” the official added.
In the wake of the incident, the project consultants have been directed to submit a detailed report analysing the cause of the failure.
The government has attributed the accident to a mechanical malfunction, while the opposition, led by the Congress party, has criticised the contractor, citing negligence and a failure to ensure commuter safety.
“This accident is a direct result of poor oversight. Public safety should never be compromised in a project of this scale,” said a spokesperson for the opposition.
The elevated corridor, once completed, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance overall connectivity. Authorities maintain that all necessary safety protocols are being reviewed and reinforced to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
Meanwhile, work from the Majestic Hotel end of the corridor remains unaffected and continues round-the-clock.
