Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Western Bypass has finally been put into service after a long wait. Taking note of the increasing traffic congestion on National Highway 66 and the situation expected to worsen during the festive season, the Goa government finally inaugurated the Margao Western National Highway Bypass for traffic on Monday.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The 11-kilometer bypass (balance portion), connecting Verna to Navelim via Seraulim, Benaulim, and Fatorda, has been completed at a cost of Rs 482 crore, funded jointly by the Union and State Governments.
Describing the project as “a Christmas and New Year gift for Goa,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “By alleviating traffic congestion in Margao and enhancing North-South connectivity, it promises to provide seamless travel for commuters and boost regional development. The Double Engine Sarkar remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening Goa’s infrastructure, driving progress, and fostering holistic development for the state.”
The bypass aims to ease heavy traffic on NH-66 by diverting vehicles away from the commercial hub of Margao, which has long struggled with congestion. Opened in phases, the project is expected to reduce travel time and improve overall traffic management, especially during the festive season. The Chief Minister also spoke about how the Central government is supporting other highway-related expansion across the State.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Law and Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, MLAs Digambar Kamat and Vijai Sardesai, and other dignitaries. Referring to the bypass’s potential impact, Sawant highlighted its role in boosting regional connectivity and enhancing economic growth in Goa.
It may be recalled that more than a year ago, the Verna-Nuvem and Navelim-Benaulim segments were made accessible to traffic. However due to the ongoing tussle by the residents of Benaulim, Mungul and Seraulim in support of their demand that the bypass be built on stilts, work on the 2.5 km length between Benaulim and Seraulim delayed the commissioning of the entire 11-km route.
However after the authorities approved the suggestion provided by the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) to go ahead with the 1.2 km of the 2.5 km balance stretch of the bypass on stilts, work had then begun on the remaining stretch over a year ago.
However, locals and the Benaulim MLA have urged the State government to complete remaining work related to the bypass, to ensure smooth and safe flow of traffic for the connecting roads and areas and to also provide safe and feasible pathways for the farmers, while also taking steps to ensure there is no flooding during the monsoon.
