MAPUSA
After initiating the widening and improvement of the Gandhi Chowk to Bodgeshwar Temple road, the Public Works Department (PWD) is now set to undertake the much-needed widening of the state highway at Karaswada.
Two months ago, the Mapusa Municipal Council had demolished several unauthorized structures along the road to pave the way for the expansion.
Now, authorities are gearing up to commence the project in the coming weeks.
Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza confirmed that the widening work at Karaswada is expected to begin within the next two to three weeks.
“The work will be prioritized and we aim to start by the end of this month. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also assured that the project will be fast-tracked,” D’Souza stated.
He further mentioned that any remaining unauthorized structures, which were not demolished earlier, would be cleared to facilitate the expansion.
The road is a crucial district highway connecting Mapusa to Bicholim and Valpoi.
Additionally, the Karaswada junction will be realigned and widened to ensure smoother traffic movement in the area.
“It is a major junction where multiple roads converge, including routes leading to and from Mopa, Tivim and Mapusa. There has been a strong demand for improving the junction to ease congestion, especially during peak hours,” the MLA said.
D’Souza also assured that strict action would be taken against unauthorized structures in Mapusa town.
“We are firm on this issue. No structures will be allowed without the necessary approvals from the municipal body and concerned departments such as the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) or the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP),” he asserted.
He added that court directives have also mandated the removal of illegal structures and the municipality is determined to implement this decision effectively.
