Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 18: The continuing controversy over the Porvorim flyover and persistent traffic congestion have raised broader questions over whether Goa’s major road infrastructure projects are being planned with adequate consideration for local traffic movement.

The issue has also brought the role of agencies such as the Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways authorities under scrutiny, particularly over consultations with the Goa Traffic Police, local bodies, panchayats and other stakeholders before finalising the alignment, access points and design of major highway projects.

The concerns extend beyond Porvorim to the 11-km Margao western bypass, which was primarily planned to divert national highway traffic away from Margao and ease congestion in the commercial capital.

While the bypass provides an alternative route for through-traffic, questions have been raised about connectivity for motorists travelling from Margao and surrounding areas. Motorists heading towards North or South Goa have to reach access points at Benaulim or Nuvem to enter the bypass, as there is no direct connection from the heart of Margao.

The project has also faced environmental concerns. The bypass was initially planned along the flood plains of the River Sal without provisions for constructing the road on stilts. Following findings by a National Green Tribunal-appointed panel that the project would require shifting of the river and filling of water bodies, the panel recommended that a 900-metre stretch be constructed on stilts.

Meanwhile, residents of Nuvem have questioned the absence of grade separators at key junctions along the bypass. The Nuvem stretch has three traffic signals, which motorists say are affecting the smooth movement of both through and local traffic.

A Nuvem resident said the bypass was primarily intended to carry national highway traffic and questioned why grade separators were not incorporated into the project.

“The traffic signals have made life miserable for the local populace. To avoid congestion at the signals, many local motorists are taking the old Nuvem-Verna road,” the motorist said.

The concerns have renewed the debate over whether major highway projects in Goa should give greater consideration to both long-distance traffic and the requirements of local commuters and communities through which the infrastructure passes.