MAPUSA
The Public Works Department (PWD) has accelerated road repair and hot-mixing activities across the State, providing much-needed relief to motorists and the general public.
The initiative follows extensive damage to roads caused by the recent monsoon season.
While several roads in North and South Goa have been patched and resurfaced, the situation in the capital city of Panaji remains problematic due to ongoing Smart City development projects.
The incomplete work has left many roads in disrepair, causing significant inconvenience to residents and commuters.
Statewide repairs
According to PWD officials, potholes have been repaired across the State, and efforts to restore trenches dug for utility services are ongoing.
Executive Engineers confirmed that hot-mixing of roads is being carried out on a war footing in various parts of Goa.
“There are areas where underground power cabling and other utility works are still in progress. These roads will be repaired once those projects are completed,” a senior PWD official explained.
Panaji under stress
In Panaji, however, residents have borne the brunt of the disrupted road network.
The city’s streets have been extensively dug up as part of the Smart City initiative aimed at upgrading urban infrastructure.
While the development promises long-term benefits, the current state of the roads has turned daily commuting into a nightmare.
Residents have voiced frustration over the delays and the lack of immediate relief.
Partially repaired stretches, uneven surfaces and ongoing construction activities have added to the challenges faced by motorists.
Porvorim flyover
adds to woes
Similarly, in Porvorim, the construction of an elevated corridor has compounded difficulties for residents and commuters.
Narrow service roads, dust and traffic congestion have disrupted daily life.
Despite these challenges, Executive Engineer (NH) Jude Carvalho assured that work on the elevated corridor is proceeding smoothly and remains on track to meet its scheduled completion deadline.
A balancing act
PWD Principal Chief Engineer Uttam Parsekar confirmed that road repair works are progressing as planned.
“We have repaired and patched up potholes across Goa. Several road works have been prioritised, and hotmixing is ongoing,” Parsekar said.
While the State has made notable progress in repairing and resurfacing roads, the ongoing infrastructure projects in key areas like Panaji and Porvorim have left many residents struggling with poor road conditions.
Authorities have urged patience, emphasising that the current disruptions are necessary to achieve long-term improvements in urban infrastructure.
As the Smart City project is expected to conclude by March, motorists and residents eagerly await the return of smoother, safer roads across the State.
