Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Public Works Department (PWD) is moving to curb repeated instances of newly hot-mixed roads being dug up immediately by other departments, amid growing complaints from legislators and the public.
MLA Daji Salkar raised the issue in the Assembly, questioning who is accountable when roads are damaged the day after PWD hot-mixing. In response, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat said a Coordination Committee, led by the Principal Chief Engineer and comprising all utility departments, has been formed to oversee road works and enforce accountability.
A pilot Utility Corridor will be implemented along a 1-km stretch of the Dona Paula–Raj Bhavan road, with plans to extend the system to major roads. Departments involved in digging for water, sewage, or underground electricity will be required to repair and maintain damaged stretches until PWD completes hot-mixing, and no road digging will be allowed during the three-year defect liability period.
The minister emphasized strict adherence to process, stating that PWD engineers will be held accountable for failing to notify utility departments before hot-mixing.
MLA Vijai Sardesai called for a single-window approval system for road cutting, advocating the principle of ‘One Road, One Policy.’ Kamat assured that the system would be operational within three months, streamlining approvals and minimizing repeated road damage.
The measures are aimed at enhancing accountability, reducing public inconvenience, and ensuring long-term road quality across Goa.
