Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade on Thursday pressed the Centre to immediately intervene and upgrade the deteriorating Goa–Belagavi highway corridors, particularly the Anmod Ghat and Chorla Ghat stretches, which he described as essential arteries for both Goa and Karnataka.
Raising the issue in Parliament, Tanavade said the two ghat routes carry thousands of daily commuters along with truckloads of vegetables, fruits and other essential supplies. Several segments, he warned, remain narrow, unstable and highly prone to landslides, leading to repeated shutdowns during heavy rainfall.
He recalled that large portions of Anmod Ghat caved in during the recent monsoon, forcing long closures that left travellers stranded with no feasible diversion. The thick forest terrain and steep gradients, he said, make alternate connectivity nearly impossible.
Tanavade stressed that Goa and Belagavi share deep social and economic ties—ranging from healthcare and education to trade and family networks. Nearly 80% of Goa’s fresh produce is transported via these routes, he added.
With the festive and tourist-heavy New Year period approaching, he cautioned that any further disruption could choke essential supplies and hit households, businesses and transporters alike.
The MP urged the Union government to fast-track repairs, widening and strengthening of both ghat sections. He also called for improved monitoring, real-time warning systems and stronger emergency response mechanisms to avoid prolonged closures during landslides or accidents.
Tanavade wrapped up his intervention by appealing for quick completion of ongoing works to ensure that the Goa–Belagavi link remains safe, reliable and open throughout the year.
