PANAJI
With 60-70 per cent of compliance measures to facilitate commuter convenience along the Porvorim flyover works completed, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Thursday directed the contractor to complete the remaining compliances by next Monday.
During a hearing of a Public Interest Litigation, the Division Bench of Justice M S Karnik and Justice Nivedita Mehta were informed that while most issues are addressed, a few critical areas require immediate attention. Advocate General Devidas Pangam pointed out the inconvenience to commuters between Damian de Goa and the Hyundai showroom as the hot-mixing of this stretch is incomplete.
He also stated that hot-mixing of 10-20 mtrs stretch at O’Coqueiro junction near the PWD tank is yet to be carried out besides the installation of lights in poorly illuminated stretches. The government has also sought satisfactory completion of electrical poles and transformers along NH 66.
The AG also pointed out that only 15 out of the required 30 traffic marshals have been deployed, a shortfall brought to the Court’s attention.
The High Court issued specific directives to the contractor directing the completion of these tasks and to submit a compliance report by Monday.
The contractor’s representative, present in Court, assured that hot-mixing of the stretch between the Mahindra and Hyundai showrooms would be completed within ten days, citing pipeline leakage as the cause of the delay. The submission was recorded by the Court with directions to adhere to the timeline.
Concerns over traffic congestion near Elnish Dynasty (Glass House) on the Mapusa-bound road due to poor road conditions were also raised. The PWD was directed to uot-mix this stretch urgently before proceeding with further elevated corridor work.
The Court had earlier stated that no new construction work should commence without first ensuring proper hot-mixed roads.
The PWD had permitted barricading at specific locations (P23 and P25). However, the widened road at P25 still requires hot-mixing, and an electricity pole on the widened section remains to be relocated. The AG informed that the kiosk and wall near Mall de Goa, identified as a hindrance, have been demolished to facilitate road widening.
In the compliance report to the Court, the contractor submitted that the seepage issue at Sangolda Junction has been resolved with hot-mixing completed on December 17, 2024 and verified by the traffic cell.
Directions have also been issued for the installation of traffic signages as per the District Magistrate's notification. While some directional and informational boards have been erected, the government stated that signboards at heavy vehicle diversion points are reportedly not up to IRC (Indian Road Congress) specifications.
Regarding emergency services, the AG assured the Court that stationing 108 ambulances and motorcycle ambulances at strategic locations along NH-66 in Porvorim is under active consideration and implementation is expected within ten days. Currently, an ambulance is stationed at Porvorim Health Centre, and necessary signboards for motorists’ convenience will be installed shortly.
The establishment of a Temporary Trauma Centre at Porvorim is also progressing. Dr Sikandar Talwar from PHC Porvorim confirmed that trauma patients are being attended to promptly and that a full-fledged Trauma Care Unit will be set up in the newly proposed building.
Lastly, the AG raised concerns about the contractor initiating digging and barricading work without prior permission or intimation to the Traffic Police. The contractor assured the Court that all future activities would follow the requisite procedures and obtain prior approvals.
The hot-mixing of the road stretch from Chatrapathi Shivaji Statue near Mall de Goa to Sai Circle has already been completed.
