Team Herald
PONDA: As the National Highway widening project progresses in Ponda, locals are urging authorities to address safety concerns at the accident-prone GVM Circle at Farmagudi. Residents are calling for proper repositioning of the circle to prevent frequent accidents that have earned it the reputation of a ‘black spot’.
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The GVM Circle, located on the NH junction connecting traffic from Belagavi to Panjim and Margao to Panjim, has been a site of numerous accidents over the years. According to local resident Naresh Naik, “The circle’s wrong positioning may be a cause of accidents, as heavy vehicle drivers find it difficult to negotiate the slope, often leading to vehicles toppling.”
Two decades ago, the Dhavlim-Farmagudi bypass was constructed to decongest Ponda City, routing highway traffic through this stretch. However, the design of the GVM Circle has proven challenging, especially for heavy vehicles attempting sharp turns towards Margao from Panjim. Several fatal accidents have occurred, prompting repeated calls for improvements.
Traffic officials agree that the positioning of the circle is problematic. They urge the National Highway Authority to address these issues as part of the ongoing four-lane widening project.
“The ongoing expansion project starting from the KTC Bus Stand at Ponda is expected to add additional lanes near GVM Circle, facilitating smoother traffic flow. This redesign aims to mitigate the safety hazards and prevent further accidents,” said an NH official.
Residents hope that the project will not only widen the road but also resolve long-standing safety concerns at one of Ponda’s busiest and most critical junctions.
