TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024
Team Herald
More than 350 concerned villagers from Kerya Khandepar have raised their voices against the widening of the National Highway (NH) without the provision of a vehicular underpass, citing safety concerns, particularly for school students. They have submitted a memorandum to various authorities, including XV (NH) PWD Ponda, VP Curti Khandepar, Ponda MLA, PWD Minister, and the Chief Minister of Goa, highlighting their grievances.
The villagers expressed dismay that while the NH was expanded, there was no consultation with the local community, posing a significant risk of accidents. With the expansion to four lanes and the progress of a two-way service road, the absence of an underpass has left residents apprehensive, especially when crossing the highway.
NH AE Chandra Parwar addressed the villagers' concerns during a recent visit, stating that the pending NH works approved in 2014 would be prioritized before considering the underpass construction. However, locals emphasized the necessity for both a service road and an underpass, advocating for a joint project.
Former Sarpanch Santan Fernandes and other locals joined the discussion, emphasizing the urgency of addressing safety issues. The absence of painted zebra crossings further compounds the risks for pedestrians, especially school children and worshippers attending the Holy Cross chapel on the opposite side of the road.
Residents highlighted the imminent completion of the approach road to the new Khandepar bridge, which is expected to increase vehicular speed on the highway, further underscoring the need for safety measures like an underpass. They emphasized that the lack of infrastructure forces them to navigate a potentially hazardous six-lane road, comprising four lanes and a two-way service road.
Rocky Dias, a resident of Kerya, emphasized the hardship faced by the community due to the absence of an underpass, particularly when accessing the school and church located on the opposite side of the road. Residents urged authorities to prioritize the construction of an underpass to ensure safe passage for all road users, especially school children and worshippers.
