Team Herald
PONDA: The much-anticipated underpass on the Ponda-Panjim National Highway near the KTC Bus Stand is nearing completion, much to the relief of local residents.
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Currently, locals face risks at the Safa Masjid junction, where they often make unauthorised U-turns to cross the busy highway. The completion of the underpass is expected to resolve these issues.
Construction of the underpass began last year, following a long-standing need for improved traffic management in the area. Six years ago, the four-lane highway from Khandepar to the KTC Bus Stand was widened, but plans for an underpass near the Safa Masjid junction were halted due to its designation as a heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Consequently, the junction was closed, forcing vehicles, including passenger buses heading to the KTC Bus Stand and Chirputem area, to take a longer route of an additional 2 km via GVM Circle. To avoid this detour, many drivers resorted to making unauthorised U-turns at the Safa Masjid, leading to traffic chaos and accidents.
Recognising the urgent need for a solution, authorities initiated the construction of the underpass at Bandora junction, located just 200 metres from the heritage site.
As of now, most of the construction work has been completed, with only the slab of the remaining portion left to be finished. This development promises to provide much-needed relief to commuters in Ponda, including interstate buses, allowing them to reach the KTC Bus Stand without the lengthy detour.
According to National Highway officials, the Ponda KTC underpass is on the verge of completion, with both approach roads for the one-way lane nearing finalisation. Work on the other lane is also progressing on the existing road.
The underpass will not only offer a safer route for motorists heading to the KTC Bus Stand but will also benefit residents of Chirputem and Shahpur. The project received approval from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in mid-February 2021, and its completion is eagerly awaited by the local community.
