Team Herald
MARGAO: The newly opened Western Bypass stretch in Benaulim has emerged as a significant safety concern, with multiple accidents reported since its inauguration just before Christmas last year. The mishaps have highlighted persistent design and safety issues that were first identified during official inspections in December 2024.
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Citizens and commuters have raised the alarm about accidents occurring at critical junctions, including service road entrances and the Mercado underpass near Khareband. The collisions have been attributed to multiple factors, including heavy vehicles traveling at excessive speeds, wrong-way drivers, and dangerous blind turns that severely limit visibility.
Following a series of accidents in December 2024, authorities conducted two joint inspections of the site. During these inspections, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas had highlighted critical flaws in the bridge’s engineering and design. In response, several interim safety measures were proposed, including the installation of temporary barricades and construction of substantial speed breakers to regulate traffic at high-risk junctions.
Additional safety improvements that were recommended included the installation of convex mirrors, functional streetlights, and rumbler strips at strategic locations. South Goa Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) (Traffic) Rajendra Prabhudesai had also emphasised the need for proper signage and improved speed breakers, noting several potentially hazardous areas along the bypass.
The safety concerns were initially raised during the first inspection, but the measures were postponed to accommodate increased traffic flow during the Christmas season.
With several accidents already reported in the first few weeks of January 2025, the situation paints a grim picture of what could unfold in the months ahead if immediate action is not taken.
Local residents lament that those who have met with accidents here have sustained serious injuries and stress that the government should not wait for another major accident to occur before addressing these concerns on priority.
