Team Herald
PONDA: Furious locals gathered at the main Bethora junction on Friday to protest against the authorities for taking road safety for granted and neglecting their demands for the past four years. They alleged that the widening of the Bethora-Borim road into a four-lane highway was completed without adequate provisions for their safety, such as flyovers, underpasses, a traffic signal system, or proper speed breakers. This, they claim, has led to an increase in accidents and chaos on the road.
The locals stated that the 4-km stretch of road on the Belagavi-Margao route was previously a two-lane bypass but was widened last year into a four-lane highway without the necessary infrastructure for pedestrian safety. They complained that crossing the highway has become a struggle due to heavy vehicles travelling at high speeds, putting their lives at risk.
Expressing their frustration, the protesters criticised the local Panchayat, the state government, and the Public Works Department (PWD) National Highways (NH) authority for ignoring their repeated appeals. They pointed out that several accidents have been reported at this junction, including the tragic death of a traffic official while chasing violators. Additionally, they raised concerns over non-functional CCTV cameras on the road, citing an incident last year where a biker was shot at near the junction, but the defunct cameras failed to capture any footage.
The locals also reminded authorities of the assurance given by the Bethora Sarpanch, who had promised to install a traffic signal system at the junction by the end of February. However, they claimed that no action has been taken, despite assurances since 2019 that the highway authorities would erect the signals.
Fearing that the prevailing chaotic situation could lead to further accidents, the residents have demanded the construction of a flyover at the junction. They argued that the widened road has led to increased traffic, particularly heavy vehicles speeding towards Margao and Belagavi.
Commuters, including industrial estate workers, have also added to the congestion at Bethora Junction, especially during peak working hours.
A local stated that he has been raising this issue for the past two years at the gram sabha meetings and had even written to the PWD NH department two years ago requesting a flyover. He stressed that the Panchayat’s priority should be the construction of a flyover. Until then, a traffic signal system should be installed as an immediate solution.
According to Bethora Nirankal Conshem Codar Sarpanch, Madu Khandeparkar, “there is ongoing follow-up with the authorities regarding the installation of a traffic signal system.”