Four-lane widening works likely to resolve Ponda‘s major traffic issues

PONDA: The four-lane widening works including the underpass/flyover are expected to address significant traffic problems near Ponda KTC bus stand and Khandepar Opa Junction.

It is pertinent to note that all these works were pending for various reasons, but the tender was floated last year. These works are now progressing at a rapid pace, which are likely to be completed within a year. Naresh Naik, a local, expressed optimism that the completion of these works will resolve several traffic-related issues.

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It may be recalled that six years ago the government had constructed a four lane highway from Safa Masjid to Khandepar along with the new Khandepar Bridge at a distance of around seven km.

The road was opened for the public, but the government failed to construct an underpass at the junction near Safa Masjid which is a protected monument by ASI.

The closure of the junction by the NH authorities caused inconvenience to locals and buses travelling from Safa Masjid junction to KTC bus stand, as they had to take a detour of two km via Farmagudi Circle. and the commuters were forced to take a U-turn at KTC bus stand.

The situation led to unauthorised U-turns by buses and motorists, further exacerbating traffic issues.

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To address these challenges, the underpass is being constructed 200 metres away at Bandora junction, opposite the KTC bus stand, which is expected to provide relief to commuters.

All the ongoing works are likely to be completed within the year, resolving all major traffic problems in the area.

Cautionary signboards installed near underpass, at entry point of Ponda KTC bus stand

O Heraldo had published a report on the major highway works progressing at four-lane widening site without signboards to alert commuters and passengers at KTC bus stand

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PONDA: Taking cognisance of an OHeraldo report, the contractor immediately installed two signboards cautioning commuters of four lane widening works in progress – one at the fatal accident spot near the underpass and the other – at the entry point of KTC bus stand.

O Heraldo in its June 17 edition had published a report on the major highway works including flyover/underpass progressing at four lane widening site without signboards to alert commuters and passengers at KTC bus stand.

It may be recalled that residents of Ponda had expressed anxiety and frustration over the lack of cautionary signboards at the interstate KTC bus stand where the widening work of the four-lane National Highway is currently underway. The issue has gained heightened attention following a tragic accident on June 11, when a motorcycle pilot lost his life after being crushed under a crane at the site.

The absence of essential signboards such as ‘work in progress’ and ‘go slow’ sparked outrage among Ponda residents. They argued that these signboards were necessary for alerting commuters about road construction activities, preventing accidents, and ensuring safety on the roads.

The KTC bus stand road turned slippery due to the above works.

Vishal Fadte, who has expressed concern, appreciated O Heraldo for highlighting the problems at KTC bus stand.