Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The proposed four-laning of the NH-66 stretch from Bendordem (Balli) to Polem in Canacona could result in the felling of up to 6,500 trees, although highway authorities have clarified that the final number may be significantly lower depending on the approved alignment.
The ₹952-crore project, to be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), covers a 22.10-km section of NH-66 extending from Bendordem to the start of the Manohar Parrikar Canacona Bypass and from the end of the bypass to Polem near the Goa-Karnataka border.
Speaking at a public presentation on the project alignment, Canacona MLA and Minister Ramesh Tawadkar said work is expected to begin by October 2026 and will be completed within two-and-a-half years.
According to officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), the project requires nearly 98.5 hectares of land. While a portion of the land is available within the existing highway corridor, the remaining area will be acquired from forest and private holdings.
A major feature of the project is a 1.24-km viaduct across valley sections aimed at reducing extensive hill cutting. The upgraded corridor will also include 19 bus shelters, each equipped with a toilet and tea kiosk, along with six service roads at key locations.
Additional infrastructure planned under the project includes a toll plaza near Polem, public toilets, pedestrian facilities, highway lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, emergency medical aid posts and highway patrol units.
The four-lane corridor will feature seven minor bridges, 78 culverts, covered and open drains, retaining walls, slope stabilisation measures and multiple underpasses for vehicles and pedestrians. Authorities have also proposed service roads at Bendordem, Barcem, Agonda Road, Gulem and Loliem.
During the public consultation, residents suggested the inclusion of dedicated underpasses for cattle and wildlife movement in areas such as Gulem, Polem and Padi. Concerns were also raised regarding the condition of parapet walls along sections of the existing Canacona bypass.
PWD Chief Engineer Dattaprasad Kamat stated that while around 6,500 trees have been identified within the project zone, only those necessary for construction would be removed after the alignment is finalised.
Officials assured the gathering that public suggestions would be examined before final decisions are taken on the project design.
