Across the globe a newly-built bridge or a road is more well-known by the length it covers. However new bridges, flyovers and roads in India are more famous for the amount spent to construct it. The Rs 641-crore Porvorim elevated corridor was conceived as a solution to one of Goa’s most persistent traffic bottlenecks. The six-lane corridor was expected to carry nearly 75,000–80,000 vehicles a day and ease congestion on the Mapusa–Panaji route. A fatal accident soon after the opening led authorities to impose restrictions, including a ban on two-wheelers and closure of certain entry and exit points. Now waterlogging on the flyover following moderate rain has added another dimension to the concerns. An independent technical audit should have examined the entire corridor, particularly drainage, gradients, road surfaces, crash barriers, lighting, signage, entry and exit geometry and pedestrian safety. The drainage network must be subjected to a proper capacity test. Questions have also been raised over whether the project was inaugurated before time before safety audits were conducted. The government should now focus on fixing every identified deficiency.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
