Says major issues resolved, cites improvement in dust control
Vehicles ply through dusty conditions along the NH stretch at Porvorim, where work on the elevated corridor is currently underway.
MAPUSA
Amid mounting concerns over safety and public health along the busy Porvorim stretch, the Public Works Department (PWD) has claimed that most issues linked to the ongoing elevated corridor project have been resolved, even as the petitioner in the High Court has alleged that serious risks continue to persist on the ground.
PWD (NH) Executive Engineer Gajanan Desai said that the majority of problems affecting motorists and pedestrians have been addressed, with only a few minor issues remaining.
“Almost all concerns related to the elevated corridor works have been settled. Only a couple of issues need attention and those will be looked into shortly,” Desai stated.
Referring to the ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the High Court, Desai said the department has already responded to several concerns raised by the petitioner. “The matter is sub judice, but we have addressed some of the issues highlighted,” he added.
On the issue of dust pollution – a major complaint from commuters and residents – Desai claimed that the situation has improved significantly. He also said that the service road will soon receive a second coat of hotmix, which is expected to smoothen uneven stretches and improve driving conditions.
Echoing the department’s position, RRSM Infra Senior Manager MCS Kurup said the contractor has adhered to the approved work profile and maintained the stipulated 25-metre right of way (ROW).
He added that drainage work along the service roads is in its final stage and that the remaining allied works will be completed soon.
“Before the monsoon, all issues affecting the service roads will be addressed to ensure there are no difficulties for motorists during the rains,” Kurup said.
However, in the ongoing PIL, petitioner Advocate Moses Pinto has strongly contested these claims, alleging that the State government and contractor have taken only partial measures while offering broad, unsubstantiated assurances.
In submissions before the court, the petitioner pointed out that while authorities have claimed to install barricades, deploy traffic marshals and implement dust-control measures, no chainage-wise data, photographic evidence, visibility audits, or independent verification has been placed on record.
The petitioner further highlighted multiple safety concerns, including unsafe diversion surfaces, the absence of dedicated paths for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, skidding risks due to water sprinkling, and the movement of heavy construction materials through active traffic lanes.
While acknowledging that some stretches have been hot-mixed, he cautioned that untreated sections continue to pose significant danger, particularly for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.
