Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: PWD Minister Digambar Kamat on Monday afternoon directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that henceforth, no flyover or bridge works should begin in the state without the construction of a dedicated and proper service road for commuters.
Kamat issued the order during a joint inspection of the pothole-ridden stretch near Vales Junction, which has drawn widespread criticism from residents, commuters and pedestrians. The situation turned graver after two people recently lost their lives due to the ongoing flyover works.
The minister carried out the inspection along with Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, NHAI officials, DySP (Traffic), police, Sancoale ZP Anita Thorat, Chicalim Sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav and other panchayat members. During the visit, he examined the road condition, reviewed NHAI’s plans, and heard concerns raised by the public.
Addressing the media, Kamat said urgent measures had been planned to ease public inconvenience.
“I have come to the area with Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and officials of the PWD and NHAI. I came here at the request of Minister Mauvin Godinho. After the inspection, we have decided that both the roads where works are going on shall be hotmixed by September 30. The authorities have promised me that both the roads will be hotmixed by September 30 unless there are heavy rains, in which case they cannot start the hotmix plant. They are expecting to start the plant by September 20, and it will take them a maximum of two days to complete the work,” Kamat said.
He stressed that the government would no longer allow projects to proceed without commuter-friendly infrastructure.
“I have given directions to the PWD Chief Engineer that across Goa, wherever there are works of flyovers or bridges, construction should not be started before a proper service road is in place. I do not want any complaints from commuters. People curse the ministers and the government, and they are not wrong because they are facing a lot of inconvenience,” Kamat remarked.
The minister also outlined additional safety requirements.
“I have told the authorities to make proper service roads for the main road diversions planned for this flyover work. These new service roads will be for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, not for heavy vehicles, and they must be created in consultation with panchayat members and local residents. The agencies are also asked to install all necessary signage within ten days and inform the DySP Traffic, who will then inspect the site and submit a report to me. Only after this clearance will we allow further works,” Kamat said.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who had raised concerns over safety in the area, welcomed the intervention.
“The barricades have to be properly visible with neon signs and reflective lights so that people can see. There has to be proper illumination in the area. I have come here several times and given instructions, but I am happy that PWD Minister Digambar Kamat has personally come here immediately at my request. He has given proper instructions, and results are bound to be seen by September 30,” Godinho said.
Recalling the recent fatalities, Godinho added, “I have requested that foolproof barricades be put up so that people don’t fall, because we have had two very unfortunate deaths of young people here. Kamat has given very clear-cut instructions that service roads must be built before such works on bridges and flyovers are taken up across Goa. These rules have to be implemented, and he has assured me that he will come again for a personal visit to check the progress.”
Kamat concluded by warning the agencies that he would return to the site to ensure compliance with his directions, stressing that good roads, public safety and commuter convenience would remain his top priority.
