Team Herald
PONDA: Despite the construction of a new underpass half a kilometre away, residents of Chirputem remain firm in their demand for an underpass at Shapur, near the Safa Masjid junction. Former Bandora Sarpanch Rajesh Naik stated that an underpass was initially planned at the site five years ago during the construction of the four-lane highway, but it was not built. Naik also mentioned that a recent verbal promise from National Highway (NH) officials had assured them of an underpass at the Safa Masjid junction, and the locals are waiting for the promise to be fulfilled.
Naik pointed out that the absence of the underpass forces many vehicles, including buses, to make unauthorised U-turns at the Safa Masjid junction to avoid a lengthy two km detour via GVM Circle. This practice poses a significant risk to the lives of commuters and pedestrians.
The KTC Bus Stand Junction was closed for local traffic five years ago, following the highway’s expansion to four lanes, with U-turns prohibited in the area. However, traffic rule violations are frequently observed at the junction, with drivers taking prohibited U-turns, endangering passengers and pedestrians alike.
Naik reiterated that locals were promised an underpass at Safa Masjid Junction during the highway's construction. With the current hardship faced due to the road closure, residents are urging authorities to deliver on the assurance.