TOUGH TIME: Commuters face a tough ride on the NH-66 service road in Porvorim, battling uneven surfaces, gravel and thick dust.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
As construction of the elevated corridor between Counto car showroom and O Coqueiro restaurant progresses at a rapid pace, motorists using the service roads along the NH-66 are facing severe hardships due to poor road conditions. Uneven surfaces, patchy repairs, scattered gravel, and overwhelming dust have turned the nearly two-kilometre stretch into a treacherous route for daily commuters.
Two-wheeler riders, in particular, have been struggling to navigate the hazardous roads.
“It’s a nightmare riding on this stretch every day. The uneven surface and loose gravel make it extremely dangerous, especially when water is sprinkled on the road to control dust,” said Rohit Naik, a two-wheeler rider traversing the stretch daily.
Authorities had previously assured the implementation of traffic-calming measures to ensure commuter safety during the construction phase, but residents claim little has been done.
“We were told that proper signboards and safety measures would be in place, but look around – there are barely any signs, and even if they exist, they are not visible due to heavy traffic,” lamented Sandesh Kamat, a resident of Porvorim.
Many commuters have opted for the newly opened Sangolda bypass road, which connects Damian de Goa to Sapna Habitat and links to Chogm Road. However, this alternative route has resulted in increased congestion on Chogm Road, particularly during peak hours.
“Traffic is bumper to bumper in the mornings and evenings. What was meant to be a relief route has now become another headache,” said Pooja Desai, a daily commuter.
Adding to the woes, poor lighting along the bypass road poses a serious hazard, particularly for two-wheeler riders.
“At night, the road is barely visible, and it’s a serious risk for those travelling late,” said a concerned resident, Anil Prabhudesai.
Meanwhile, the relocation of the age-old banyan tree and Kapreshwar temple in Porvorim has allowed for faster progress on the final stretch of pillar construction.
Officials remain optimistic about meeting the April 2026 deadline for the completion of the six-lane, 5.15 km elevated corridor.
“We understand the difficulties commuters are facing, and we are working hard to complete the project on time, if not ahead of schedule,” said a senior official from RSBIPL, the Rajasthan-based company that is constructing the corridor.
Despite the progress, locals are urging authorities to address the immediate issues before the monsoon arrives.
“We just hope that before the rains begin, the government takes steps to smoothen the service roads and manage traffic better,” said business owner and Porvorim resident, Rajesh Verlekar.
With the corridor set to provide long-term relief from heavy vehicular congestion, residents are willing to bear the inconvenience for now but expect swift action to mitigate their daily struggles.
“We understand the importance of this project, but the authorities must ensure that people are not put through unnecessary hardship while work is underway,” Verlekar added.
As construction continues, residents and commuters remain hopeful that authorities will take proactive steps to ease their burden and ensure smoother traffic movement in the coming months.
