Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) has brought to the attention of the South Goa District authorities the lack of adequate safety signage at road works undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) contractor on the highway stretch from MES College junction to Dabolim Airport.
In a letter addressed to South Goa Collector & District Magistrate, Asvin Chandru A, IAS, GOACAN highlighted various safety and traffic management concerns observed at the construction site. The organization cited complaints from the public about insufficient signage, which could pose a risk to road users.
Following an inspection of the site near the MES College junction on 21st September 2024, GOACAN noted several key issues:
1. Absence of Project Information: There were no boards displaying project details, including the nature of the work, the contractor’s name, contact details, and the project timeline.
2. Unmarked Barricades: Barricades installed at the site lacked information about the agencies responsible for the works.
3. Inadequate Signage: Signboards with messages such as “Road Closed” and “Take Diversion” were placed in unmarked barrels, with no indication of who had placed them.
4. Lack of Advance Warning: No advance signage was installed to warn drivers about lane closures, which could help reduce speed.
5. Language of Signage: The signage was displayed only in English, whereas national highway regulations mandate the use of Hindi and Konkani as well.
6. No Night Warning Lights: No warning lights were installed at the diversion to alert motorists during night-time.
GOACAN expressed its concern that the absence of proper safety measures, especially on a highway where vehicles often travel at high speed, increases the risk of accidents. The letter emphasized the urgency of addressing these safety issues in line with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines, particularly in light of the rising number of road fatalities in Goa.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Transport Secretary, SP South Goa Police, DySP Traffic South, Additional Director Transport South, and the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Roland Martins, Co-ordinator of GOACAN, called for immediate action to improve road safety at the site.
