Team Herald
MARGAO: An accident on the recently inaugurated Western Bypass stretch in Benaulim on Thursday has reignited demands for urgent safety measures, with locals blaming the government for neglecting their prior warnings. The collision between a bike and a four-wheeler left the rider injured, highlighting the potential dangers posed by the bypass’s current design.
The incident prompted immediate criticism from residents, including local activist Warren Alemao, who accused authorities of ignoring repeated calls for precautionary measures before opening the bypass. “The underpasses on the new Western Bypass bridge pose serious safety risks due to complete blind spots,” Alemao stated.
Alemao further urged the installation of speed breakers and streetlights at critical underpass junctions such as Mercado, Benaulim Pedda, and the Fish Market, stressing, “Every life matters, and these measures are crucial to ensure the safety of all road users. Let’s act now before it’s too late.”
Residents fear that the bypass, especially during the ongoing festive season, could lead to more accidents as tourist numbers surge and traffic along the Salcete coastline intensifies. The danger, they warned, is even greater at night due to inadequate lighting and visibility issues. They emphasized the urgency of preventive action, noting that the current design flaws could result in further injuries, damage to vehicles, or even fatalities.
“This accident occurred during the day, which shows the risks are not just limited to nighttime,” one resident pointed out, adding that the festive influx of tourists and returning Goans amplifies the urgency of addressing these hazards.
It may be recalled that prior to the bypass’s opening earlier this month, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas and local groups had strongly advocated for implementing safety measures, such as speed breakers, better signage, and adequate lighting. However, it was pointed out that despite these concerns being raised, the stretch is still vulnerable to accidents. Officials from the Power Department, PWD, National Highway, the contractor for the bypass, Transport Department, Traffic Police and Water Resources Department (WRD) were present for the joint inspection that was held before the opening of the bypass, where these concerns were raised.
Frustrated by the government's inaction, locals have warned of taking their protests to the streets if immediate steps are not taken to address their concerns. They insist that such measures are not just a precaution but an essential step to prevent further tragedies.