Plans underway for similar projects at Peddem and Naibhag
The construction of a vehicular underpass at Dhargal is set to begin next month.
Photo Credits: The Goan/File photo
MAPUSA
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has sanctioned the construction of a vehicular underpass (VUP) at Dhargal, with an estimated cost of Rs 46 crore.
The project is set to address traffic congestion and improve road safety in the area.
Meanwhile, plans are also in progress to build similar facilities at Naibhag in Pernem and Peddem in Mapusa, pending final approval from the ministry.
According to the Executive Engineer of PWD (NH) Jude Carvalho, the tender for the Dhargal underpass has been accepted, and the work order is expected to be issued soon. "The construction work should commence by next month," Carvalho confirmed, adding that the project will significantly ease vehicular movement in the region.
In the case of Naibhag and Peddem, detailed project reports (DPRs) have been prepared and are currently under scrutiny by MoRTH. The underpass at Naibhag has received in-principle approval, while authorities are deliberating between two options for Peddem – a vehicular underpass or an overbridge. The final decision is expected after a thorough review of traffic patterns and feasibility studies.
Background and previous challenges
The Dhargal underpass was originally part of the four-laning project of the highway, which included service roads on both sides. However, due to strong opposition from a group of shopkeepers operating in the vicinity, the underpass was removed from the initial project scope with the approval of MoRTH.
The absence of this crucial infrastructure has led to increasing traffic congestion in the area, prompting authorities to revisit the project and reinstate the underpass proposal.
Meanwhile, Peddem, another key junction along NH-66, has seen a significant rise in vehicular traffic due to the convergence of multiple internal and service roads. Unlike Dhargal, Peddem was not originally slated for an underpass or overbridge in the highway expansion plans.
However, with multiple minor accidents reported at the junction and traffic flow reaching critical levels, authorities have taken steps to manage the situation by installing traffic signals – an unusual measure for a national highway.
Political push for infra development
Recognising the urgency of the situation at Peddem, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira took up the matter with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, advocating for the construction of either an underpass or an overbridge at the location.
"The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, was kind enough to agree to construct a road overbridge in Peddem after I brought to his attention the importance of the facility," Ferreira recently stated.
Authorities are currently evaluating the best course of action to address traffic concerns in the area, ensuring that the chosen infrastructure solution aligns with long-term road safety and efficiency goals.
With the Dhargal underpass now sanctioned and set for construction, stakeholders are optimistic that the projects at Naibhag and Peddem will also receive the necessary approvals soon.
These developments are expected to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and improve safety for motorists using NH-66. As work on the underpass at Dhargal is set to begin in the coming weeks, residents and commuters look forward to long-overdue improvements to their daily travel experience.
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Temporary relief as traffic signals commissioned at Dhargal, Naibhag
MAPUSA: Traffic signals were commissioned at the crucial Dhargal and Naibhag junctions on Friday to regulate vehicular movement, with the signal at Peddem set to be recommissioned on Saturday.
Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (National Highways) Jude Carvalho stated that these signals are a temporary measure to manage traffic flow until the completion of underpass and road overbridge projects at the respective junctions.
"The road markings at the Carrasvaddo junction have been completed. Only the timing of one traffic pole needs to be synchronised, which will be done, and the signals will be re-commissioned on Saturday," Carvalho confirmed.
Additionally, a fourth traffic signal will be installed near the underpass at Goa Medical College in Bambolim. The area frequently experiences traffic congestion, particularly during school hours in the morning and afternoon, when students commute to and from school.
Authorities hope that these measures will provide temporary relief from traffic snarls until the long-term infrastructure projects are completed.
