What exactly are Goans being asked to accept with the Rs 641-crore Porvorim elevated corridor? The 5.15-km project was inaugurated with much fanfare, yet within days questions emerged over its functioning, entry and exit arrangements, and motorist safety. If a project of this scale cannot operate fully and safely after opening, who is accountable?
Was the corridor genuinely ready when it was inaugurated? Who gave the final clearance, certified the design and approved the traffic arrangements? Were the approaches, exits and merging points with the existing road network adequately examined, or were unresolved concerns left for the public to deal with?
The reported cost also climbed to around Rs 641 crore. What explains the escalation? Were the revisions independently scrutinised and audited? Goans deserve a clear account of what public money paid for.
Then came the fatal accident soon after the opening, claiming two lives. Restrictions on two-wheelers and changes to access arrangements followed almost immediately. If traffic measures needed such rapid revision, the timing of the inauguration itself becomes a legitimate question.
The Union Minister can explain the national infrastructure programme. The PWD can explain the engineering. The contractor can explain the execution. Traffic authorities can explain traffic management. But who accepts political responsibility for opening the corridor? Why should accountability end with officials and contractors when governments are quick to claim credit at inauguration?
This issue goes beyond one project. Goans have seen controversies around major infrastructure before, including Atal Setu. The real test is whether projects are built, independently checked and opened only when they are safe.
No one should allege corruption without evidence. But poor planning, inadequate safety measures, premature opening and administrative negligence are themselves serious accountability issues. The people paid for this corridor. They deserve answers—not blame-shifting.
RANJAN SOLOMON via email
