TEAM HERALD
PONDA: PWD Minister Sudin Dhavlikar has stated that the State government has proposed to widen the Curti-Khandepar bypass and the Dhavali-Farmagudi bypass into four-lane roads, in order to curb the growing number of road mishaps along both routes.
The accident-prone Dhavali-Farmagudi bypass road has led to a number of fatal mishaps due to several sharp turns along the route. What has also added to the danger is the haphazard parking of trucks by the roadside.
Speaking to Herald, Dhavlikar admitted being aware that the 4-km stretch of the Dhavali-Farmagudi bypass along the highway in Ponda has been an accident-prone zone.
Asked if the government has initiated any measures to address the many fatal accidents on the dangerous slope opposite the Venkteshlila Hotel, Dhavlikar replied: “The government has proposed to widen this road as well as the Curti-Khandepar bypass.
“Accidents take place due to rash and negligent driving and not due to sharp turns. To avoid fatal accidents, there is only one solution and that is to avoid over speeding and to drive cautiously,” he said.
The residents residing close to the bypass at Perigoal have also expressed concern and said they feel insecure while travelling along the bypass road.
Perigoal Welfare Association Secretary Nilesh Naik said preventive measures have not been taken here since the last few years despite several accidents taking place on the road and urged the government to act in the matter.
When contacted, Traffic PI Nilesh Diagodkar said their department will inform the PWD engineer to inspect the stretch of road at Venteshlila to find the cause of frequent accidents.
“The Traffic department, if required, will erect protective railing along the roadside so that dangerous curves are easily sighted by vehicle drivers from a long distance,” he said.
