Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Public Works Department has decided to prohibit the movement of two-wheelers on the newly opened six-lane Porvorim Elevated Corridor following a fatal accident on the flyover in which two persons travelling on a two-wheeler were killed.
The decision was taken after PWD Minister Digambar Kamat visited the elevated corridor on Sunday afternoon and took stock of the traffic and safety situation. Kamat also spoke to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant before the decision was finalised.
The PWD, through a notification issued on Sunday by Executive Engineer, Works Division VII (NH), Gajanan R. Desai, said all two-wheelers would be prohibited from using the elevated corridor and would be diverted to the service roads below.
The notification also orders the closure of all entry and exit points or access points towards the Atal Setu side during the period of the restriction. Exceptions may be made for emergency or essential services by the competent authority.
The restrictions will remain in force until further notice and will be reviewed based on traffic data and field assessments.
The move comes a day after the first fatal accident was reported on the newly opened corridor. A two-wheeler was involved in a collision near the exit of the elevated corridor on Saturday, with two people losing their lives.
The elevated corridor was opened to traffic on Friday evening after a delay of nearly two hours. Traffic movement on the new facility was initially accompanied by congestion and confusion at some junctions and approaches.
The PWD notification states that the temporary restrictions have been imposed to assess actual traffic movement, traffic patterns, congestion levels and the operational performance of the elevated corridor and the surrounding road network.
Traffic authorities have been directed to monitor and record traffic volume, travel time, queue lengths, congestion and diversion patterns during the period.
The EPC agency has also been instructed to deploy adequate traffic signs, barricades, blinkers and delineators at appropriate locations to ensure safe movement and guide motorists towards alternate routes.
The notification further states that the restrictions will be reviewed periodically and may subsequently be continued, modified or withdrawn depending on traffic data and field assessments.
Kamat’s visit to the corridor and subsequent discussions with the Chief Minister came amid concerns over traffic management and safety following the fatal accident. The PWD Minister had also been present when traffic was opened on the elevated corridor on Friday.
The PWD said the temporary traffic arrangement has been introduced in the interest of public safety, traffic management and systematic assessment of traffic flow after commissioning of the Porvorim Elevated Corridor.
The notification has been circulated to the North Goa Collector, senior PWD officials, Kadamba Transport Corporation, Traffic Police authorities, the Porvorim Traffic Police and agencies involved in the operation and maintenance of the corridor.
