Team Herald
MARGAO: The closure of the Seraulim subway has become an enduring headache for commuters, long after it was shut to address monsoon flooding. Months later, the underpass remains inaccessible, intensifying the inconvenience for local motorists and raising questions about the efficacy of what was once billed as a temporary solution.
In July, South Goa’s District Magistrate issued a directive temporarily closing the roads leading to the Seraulim subway due to flooding concerns, following a request from the PWD’s executive engineer. The notification, intended to lapse at the end of September, has effectively become a permanent closure with no efforts visible to reopen the route. This prolonged inaccessibility has left residents questioning whether the Konkan Railway, PWD, and district disaster management have run out of viable options to address the persistent waterlogging.
Recurring flooding has plagued the underpass since its opening, despite its original purpose of providing motorists relief from waiting at the railway crossing in Seraulim village. Residents, who began using the subway in March 2023, recall how it was envisioned as a solution to local traffic woes. However, from the outset, they warned of potential flooding and demanded a robust drainage system—concerns that have since been validated. Monsoon rains have come and gone, yet water continues to pool, rendering the subway unfit for use and increasingly dangerous.
The absence of an adequate drainage system has proven to be a fatal flaw. Water from a nearby nullah flows directly into the underpass, while drains become clogged with mud and debris, trapping water inside.
Recent visits to the site revealed stagnant water that has damaged sections of the structure, exposing steel reinforcements and creating hidden hazards. Many motorists have reported incidents involving unseen holes and obstructions beneath the water. The Seraulim panchayat, alarmed by these safety risks, has repeatedly raised the issue with district officials, urging immediate repairs and preventive measures. “If attention is not paid, more damage could occur, and the project’s purpose will be lost,” warned one local resident.
Government representatives acknowledged that the closure notification had expired but admitted that no significant progress has been made. Meetings involving Konkan Railway and PWD officials are reportedly being planned to find a long-term fix. While previous inspections have highlighted the need for solutions, including the use of advanced technologies, tangible outcomes remain elusive. Residents fear that bureaucratic hurdles and cost considerations may further delay any meaningful resolution.
To address the issue, local villagers have suggested practical measures, such as installing water suction pumps similar to those used at the Comba Subway, and raising the subway’s floor level for improved drainage. During a joint inspection involving villagers, Konkan Railway, and PWD officials earlier this year, one senior official remarked that a solution to the stagnant water is possible but may depend on the cost factor.