Team Herald
PONDA: The widening of the two-lane Bethora-Borim road into a four-lane highway on the Belgaum–Margao NH has put local residents in hardships, as no flyovers or underpasses have been constructed along the 4-km stretch.
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Vishal Naik, a local resident, stated, “Without an underpass, traffic chaos prevails at Bethora main junction, causing hardships for locals, while vehicles on the highway pass freely at high speed.”
The widening work was completed over a year ago, yet there is still no sign of flyovers or underpasses, making it increasingly difficult for residents to cross the widened road. To ensure the safety of commuters, there is a growing demand for flyovers, underpasses, and a proper signal system at Bethora Junction.
According to locals, since the road was widened into four lanes, vehicles on the Margao-Belgaum NH now travel at much higher speeds, further complicating efforts for pedestrians to cross the road. Although the hot mix carpeting of the road is complete, key infrastructure elements such as signboards, an underpass, and a flyover remain pending.
Residents fear that the current chaotic situation could lead to accidents and have urged the authorities to construct at least one flyover at the Bethora Main Junction as a matter of urgency.
Many locals, including commuters and workers at the Bethora Industrial Estate, expressed concerns about the hazards posed by speeding vehicles on the highway. During a recent press briefing, local residents, including Hemant Samant and other citizens, voiced their concerns over the issue. They also highlighted the additional challenge posed by trucks parked along the sides of the highway.
Officials from the National Highways (NH) department stated that the Bethora-Borim Bypass is currently classified as a state highway and was widened using funds from the Central Reserve Fund (CRF). They clarified that once the stretch is officially declared a national highway, the construction of flyovers and underpasses will be prioritised.
