Goa, once known for its scenic coastal beauty and laid-back charm, is increasingly becoming infamous for another, far more tragic reason: the alarming number of road accidents and fatalities caused by poorly maintained infrastructure. From crumbling roads and unmarked diversions to pothole-ridden stretches, the state’s road network has become a hazard in itself. Behind many of these preventable deaths lies a deeper issue—government apathy and the impunity enjoyed by road contractors.
It is high time Goa considers a bold yet just proposal: making road contractors financially liable for every death or serious injury resulting from negligence in road construction or maintenance.
The idea is not radical—it’s rational. Roads are not a luxury; they are a lifeline. When contractors accept public money to build or maintain roads, they take on a duty of care. If they fail to uphold that duty, especially through substandard work, missed deadlines, or cutting corners to boost profit margins, they must be held accountable—not just administratively, but financially and legally. If a doctor’s negligence can result in malpractice charges or a builder’s lapse can bring criminal action, why should road contractors be exempt when lives are lost due to their dereliction?
In Goa, the statistics are sobering. According to the National Crime Records Bureau and state transport department data, the state records hundreds of fatalities and thousands of accidents annually, many of which are linked to poor road conditions. Fatalities caused by potholes, sudden road collapses, unbarricaded construction zones, and incomplete repairs are not ‘accidents’—they are consequences of deliberate negligence.
Currently, the accountability mechanisms in place are feeble at best. Most inquiries into road-related deaths rarely lead to prosecution or meaningful penalties. Contractors are shielded by a complex web of sub-contracting, bureaucratic delays, and lack of political will. Often, they are re-awarded contracts without regard for past performance or safety records. This creates a cycle of impunity—where the loss of life becomes just another data point rather than a call for reform.
Making contractors pay compensation—potentially in the range of ₹10–25 lakh per fatality—would serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it would introduce a sense of responsibility and financial deterrence. If poor workmanship or delayed maintenance could cost a firm crores in penalties, corners would no longer be cut with impunity. Secondly, it would offer some form of justice and relief to grieving families who often face not only emotional trauma but also economic hardship after losing a breadwinner. Finally, it would elevate safety standards in the long run by forcing both contractors and government departments to rethink priorities.
Critics may argue that such a measure could increase project costs or dissuade contractors from bidding. But cost must never come at the price of human lives. Moreover, robust guidelines and independent audits could help ensure fairness—compensation would only be levied where clear evidence of negligence exists. The government can also consider establishing a Road Safety Accountability Tribunal to investigate such cases swiftly and impartially.
This approach has precedents. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, there have been increasing calls—and some judicial interventions—to hold officials and contractors liable for pothole deaths. The Supreme Court of India, in multiple rulings, has observed that bad roads are a violation of the fundamental right to life under Article 21. Some High Courts have directed civic authorities to pay compensation to victims’ families—though the cost is often borne by taxpayers, not the erring contractors.
Goa must lead by example. In a small state with manageable road networks and an active civil society, reforms like these are not only feasible—they are necessary. Setting up a Road Contractor Accountability Framework, mandating third-party quality audits, and linking contractor payments to long-term performance could radically change the state’s infrastructure landscape.
Let us be clear: this is not about punishment for its own sake. It is about justice, deterrence, and systemic improvement. Every life lost on Goa’s roads due to negligence is a preventable tragedy. By making contractors financially liable, the state can send an unambiguous message—human lives are worth more than profits, and safety is non-negotiable.
