Business activity along the western bypass service road at Benaulim has come under scrutiny over road safety concerns, with the issue set to be taken up at the State Road Safety Council following complaints of accidents and traffic hazards at the location. The stretch, which includes a traffic island on the service road, has witnessed incidents since the bypass became operational, prompting concerns that commercial activity close to the carriageway may be endangering motorists and pedestrians. The matter is being pursued by members of GOACAN, a road safety advocacy group, who have raised objections to such activity along the service road. GOACAN secretary Lorna Fernandes said the issue had been repeatedly discussed at meetings of the South Goa District Road Safety Committee, but the presence of vendors and other business activity at the location had continued despite safety concerns. Fernandes said commercial activity near a traffic island on a service road posed risks, particularly at a location where accidents have already been reported. She said the issue would be raised at the upcoming meeting of the State Road Safety Council at the Secretariat, seeking clearer directions and enforcement. She added that repeated flagging of the issue had not resulted in effective action, pointing to the need for closer monitoring of service roads, which often carry significant local traffic. Road users and residents have also expressed concern that roadside business activity without clear regulation could obstruct visibility, disrupt traffic flow and increase the risk of accidents, especially during peak hours.
GOACAN flags traffic risks along Benaulim bypass
