A recent accident on the Taleigão bypass road in Goa has highlighted the growing concern over the state’s deteriorating road conditions, particularly the increasing number of potholes. On April 1st, at approximately 11:15 PM, a car lost control when its tire wheel went into a pothole, causing significant damage to the vehicle. Fortunately, the driver was traveling at a slow speed, which prevented a more serious accident. However, this incident has reignited calls for urgent action from the Public Works Department (PWD) to address the persistent issue of potholes across the state.
The Growing Problem:
Potholes have become a recurring problem in Goa, exacerbated by the unpredictable weather conditions that often cause roads to deteriorate. Temporary solutions, such as patching potholes with cement on tar roads, have proven ineffective and only lead to further road damage, resulting in unsafe driving conditions.
This ongoing issue has contributed to a high number of road crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Between 2013 and 2016, there were 38,105 road crashes attributed to potholes, resulting in 36,421 injuries and 11,386 deaths. These alarming statistics underline the urgency of addressing the pothole problem to ensure the safety of commuters.
Demands for Immediate Action:
Locals are now calling on the PWD to take swift and comprehensive action to fix the potholes on the Taleigão bypass road and other affected areas. They stress that if this issue remains neglected, it could lead to more severe accidents, potentially resulting in loss of life.
The residents have made the following demands:
Immediate repair of potholes on the Taleigão bypass road, especially the section heading towards Aadarsh Circle.
Improvement in road maintenance and infrastructure to prevent future accidents and ensure safer road conditions.
Accountability and quality assurance in repair work to avoid substandard patch jobs and ensure long-term solutions.
By addressing these issues promptly, authorities can prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of the public on the roads.
Francis Coelho, a local resident, expressed frustration, saying, “The road work carried out in Taleigão has been undertaken in a patchwork manner. It seems like the authorities mainly want to kill people commuting along these roads”. This statement reflects the growing sentiment among locals, who are increasingly frustrated by the lack of effective action to address the road safety crisis.
The people of Goa continue to urge the government to prioritize road safety and provide lasting solutions to the pothole problem, preventing further damage and, most importantly, saving lives.