Calls for action: Locals urge construction of retaining walls on dangerous culvert

Absence of railings raises fears of accidents on the Dhavalim-Farmagudi bypass
Calls for action: Locals urge construction of retaining walls on dangerous culvert
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Team Herald

PONDA: The Dhavalim-Farmagudi bypass road on the Panjim-Ponda-Margao highway was converted into a four-lane road approximately six years ago. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has yet to construct retaining walls or side railings on the culvert along this road.

In the absence of these safety features, local residents fear that it may lead to serious incidents or fatal accidents. The community has called for the installation of retaining walls on both sides of the highway.

The culvert is situated over the Ponda main nullah, which has a width of fourteen metres and a height of three metres. In the event that speeding vehicles lose control, the lack of railings could result in vehicles plunging directly into the nullah.

Furthermore, during the rainy season, the Ponda main nullah can overflow like a river, and if a vehicle were to fall in at that time, it could prove fatal for its occupants. The culvert is located directly opposite the 15 MLD sewerage treatment plant at Kavalem, adjacent to the four-lane highway.

Additionally, many street lights along this stretch of road frequently malfunction, creating dark conditions that could lead to parked vehicles inadvertently rolling into the nullah.

Naresh Naik, a local resident who takes evening walks, expressed concern that this situation also poses a risk to pedestrians walking alongside the road.

Considering these various factors, locals have urged the NHAI to construct retaining walls or side railings to prevent potential accidents. Residents have reported that the panchayat body has written to the authorities regarding these necessary safety measures.

Herald Goa
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