The Arlem Bypass cuts travel time and helps commuters avoid traffic, but there is no guarantee they will reach their destination in one piece. Driving down this winding road at night is a dangerous proposition, accomplished mostly by guesswork and prayers. With no streetlights, the twists and turns, the shrubbery and garbage on the side become one with the inky blackness of the landscape. As a result, all oncoming motorists have their headlights on high beam, blinding each other – but not slowing down.
If illuminating the stretch- the shortest route between Arlem and Nuvem – is too expensive, the least the PWD could do is install reflectors on the sides of the highway so one can at least tell where the tar road ends and where the fields begin. Reflectors along the centre of the road, better signboards ahead of turns and at least a few streetlights along the long stretch are an urgent measure the government should consider implementing on this highway that caters to the people of Arlem, Fatorda, Gogol, Raia and beyond.
Due to the poor visibility, many people are forced to avoid this highway at night, and take the longer route around via Mathany Saldanha junction or Old Market Circle, which is a waste of time and fuel.