VASCO
The newly inaugurated port connectivity flyover, hailed as a key infrastructure project to ease traffic congestion, is quickly turning into a safety hazard, with multiple accidents being reported within a month.
Despite the Rs 645 crore investment and its grand inauguration on January 21, the flyover lacks critical safety measures, raising serious safety concerns among motorists and locals.
The project, undertaken by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Goa Public Works Department (PWD), and Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), was intended to facilitate seamless movement of heavy vehicles to and from the port.
However, the absence of functional traffic signals, proper signboards, speed breakers, rumblers, and view cutters has turned it into a potential death trap.
Accidents raise alarm
A car overturned on the flyover on February 9, sparking concerns over road safety. The two occupants of the car escaped unharmed, but the accident prompted calls for a thorough safety audit.
A loaded truck (KA 22 C 1190) lost control and toppled at a sharp turn on the flyover on March 7, spilling its cargo of wooden chips onto the road below. Luckily, there was no one on the road below at the time of the mishap.
The driver suffered minor injuries, and the accident highlighted the absence of speed breakers, warning signboards, and proper road markings at the curve.
A hit-and-run accident was reported on March 9 when a speeding car collided with a bike and fled the scene, leaving two injured. The lack of functional traffic signals and proper lane discipline has raised questions about the flyover’s design and traffic management.
No action yet
A traffic department official, while speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that there is a lack of coordination between agencies.
“The infrastructure is good, but proper coordination is missing. Traffic signals are non-functional because we were never asked to install them. Signals are only needed if there is excessive traffic flow, which isn’t the case right now,” said the official.
“However, we have written to NHAI, urging them to install a view cutter at the sharp curve, as the parapet height is too low. There is a real danger of motorcycle riders or pillion riders falling off the flyover in case of an accident. However, the NHAI has not acted on our requests.”
The official also highlighted the confusion regarding speed limits and signboards, pointing out discrepancies.
“In some places, the speed limit is 20 km/h, while in others, its 40 km/h. Without proper signage, how can we enforce speed regulations? We have also requested the installation of speed breakers and thicker rumblers to prevent reckless driving, but nothing has been done yet.”
The NHAI and PWD have been caught in a blame game, with both departments passing responsibility to each other.
A source from Gammon India, the company that built the flyover, stated that contractors cannot implement safety measures on their own.
“We built the infrastructure and handed it over to the government. If the PWD or NHAI instructs us to install speed breakers or additional safety measures, we can do it immediately. The real issue is the consultants hired by the PWD. These consultants have failed in their duty to provide safety guidelines.”
The contractor further added: “Had the consultants properly guided the PWD, the lack of warning signs, missing speed breakers, and the absence of a view cutter could have been addressed before the inauguration.”
Key safety issues
1. Non-functional traffic signals: Many signals are installed but not operational, leading to traffic mismanagement.
2. Absence of speed breakers: Despite accidents, no speed breakers have been placed at accident-prone locations.
3. Inconsistent speed limit signboards: Conflicting speed limits create confusion among motorists
4. Lack of a view cutter at sharp curves: The missing solid panel barriers increase the risk of vehicles or riders falling off.
5. Missing rumble strips: The current rumblers are too shallow, failing to alert drivers to slow down.
6. No warning signboards: Critical areas like sharp turns and intersections lack adequate signages.
Public outrage
With three accidents in two months, locals have begun voicing their anger, demanding immediate government intervention.
“The government built this flyover for convenience, but it has turned into a nightmare. How many more accidents do we need before authorities wake up,” asked a Vasco resident.
“Heavy vehicles cannot stop suddenly at sharp curves. If speed breakers and proper signboards were installed, accidents like the overturned truck could have been prevented.”
“People use this stretch for jogging and walking. Authorities need to ban pedestrian movement on the flyover before a fatal accident happens”, he said.
