Daijiworld Media Network – Mapusa
Mapusa, Sep 14: Following the tragic accident that claimed two lives on the newly opened Porvorim elevated corridor, the Goa government on Sunday moved swiftly to tighten safety measures, deciding to ban two-wheelers from using the flyover and closing the service-road entry and exit points at Guirim and Majestic.
However, these rapid safety measures come with significant disruption and detours for daily commuters. Under the new traffic management plan, four-wheelers travelling from Mapusa to Panaji will now have to proceed via the Atal Setu and take a U-turn at the Merces junction to enter the capital city. Alternatively, motorists heading from Mapusa towards the Secretariat or main Panaji town will have to take the old surface road beneath the elevated corridor.
The sudden restrictions on the newly inaugurated six-lane flyover have already sparked debate among commuters, with many raising concerns that major sections of the public are being deprived of the infrastructure. Expressing frustration online, Mapusa resident Abhijit Shinde commented on social media: “Paisewallancho BJP sarkar. Middle class people can’t use this flyover and save time. Wah!”
High-Level Inspection & Speed Enforcement
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Digambar Kamat, along with senior PWD officials and traffic police personnel, inspected the accident site on Sunday to assess security gaps.
Confirming the immediate restriction on two-wheelers, Kamat stated that an intercepting radar has already been operationalized on the stretch to catch speed violators, while additional surveillance cameras and safety infrastructure will be installed shortly.
Maintaining that the notified speed limit on the elevated corridor is 65 kmph, Kamat attributed Saturday’s fatal crash primarily to rash and negligent driving.
IIM Nagpur Team to Study Merces Traffic
The minister also announced a broader long-term traffic management initiative. An expert team from IIM Nagpur has been tasked with conducting a detailed study of traffic flow and movement at the Merces Circle.
“The team will recommend measures to ease congestion, prevent accidents, and prepare a master plan for traffic management in the area,” Kamat said.