CANACONA: The inauguration of Manohar Parrikar seaside link on NH66 connecting Char-Rasta to Mashem has brought the Southern villages of Canacona closer to Chaudi by 10 km, but the new route itself has thrown up fresh challenges to authorities ranging from drinking on the roadside to overspeeding.
The newly commissioned 7.74-km 4-lane NH66 road, a project whose cost crossed over Rs 300 cr, is a boon to commuters as it cuts short the travel distance by 10 km and saves travel time by almost half an hour but the authorities are found wanting as miscreants make merry in their own style on this road putting the life of others into jeopardy.
It is common to see youths from surrounding villages coming on the new NH66 road to while away their time consuming alcoholic beverages.
Road users complain that it is not a problem when people visit the picturesque road to witness sunset and enjoy nature’s bliss, but the issue arises when youth come with beer bottles and carelessly discard the bottles on the road side, some even going to the extent of breaking these bottles.
When this correspondent took a trip from Chaudi to Mashem to ascertain the seriousness of the issue it was seen that groups of 4 or more youths settle on the railings of the bridge mostly on Talpona river putting their own life into danger while also causing inconvenience and nuisance to the other road users.
A Karnataka registered car was also seen parked on the Talpona river bridge while the three occupants were seen taking selfies by holding beer bottle in one hand and mobile in the other hand.
Apart from vehicles the carpeted shoulders of this 7.74km road on either side are used by scores of joggers and walkers who find it difficult to walk as shards of broken glass bottles are found scattered locals complain.
Another serious problem the authorities have to tackle immediately is the overspeeding by drivers of vehicles on this stretch of NH66 road.
There are signages erected on either side for drivers not to exceed 60 and 80km per hour but high end sports utility vehicles and interstate buses are seen zooming past with speed in excess of this speed limit endangering the life of everyone and the property around.
Diogo Da Silva, a social activist from Galgibaga in Canacona who commutes over this road twice a day speaking to this correspondent, objected about lack of patrolling by Highway Patrol personnel both during day and night time.
“Even after bringing to the notice of the traffic police no effort is being put to stop the overspeeding by drivers of vehicles on this stretch,” Da Silva complained bitterly.
“The Highway Patrol personnel whose job is to keep the Highway safe to travel are mostly seen assisting traffic personnel in issuing challans at Char Rasta or at some other place for not wearing helmet while both riders and drivers indulge in overspeeding and rash driving on this new route,” complained Pradeep Mokhardakar another social activist.
