Despite installation of traffic signals and road-widening work, the narrow Khandepar Bridge is yet to facilitate smooth traffic flow
If the strength of any chain lies in its weakest link, the smooth flow of traffic is also dependent on the narrowest point along the road.
The traffic signals at the Khandepar Bridge in Ponda taluka and the road-widening work at both ends of the bridge may have reduced the traffic congestion to some extent, but it is yet to facilitate smooth traffic flow as the bridge is narrow and is unable to cater to the growing traffic in the area.
According to information, the State government as part of its NH-4A road widening project is expected to construct a four-lane bridge at Khandepar.
The work to build an approach road has already begun at Khandepar and work on the four-lane bridge is expected to commence within a year.
“The State government will undertake the widening of the NH-4A and NH-17 highway. While the State government will fund 60 per cent of the project, the remaining 40 per cent will be provided by the Centre. A four-lane bridge at Khandepar is included in this project and work is expected to start in a year’s time,” said PWD and Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar.
At present, the narrow bridge along the NH-4A at Khandepar, which was built during the Portuguese era, has hindered the smooth flow of traffic, which has grown significantly in the past few years. As a result, frequent traffic jams are witnessed during peak hours.
In view of growing traffic congestion at Khandepar Bridge, the Curti-Khandepar Panchayat had approached PWD with a request to install traffic signals to regulate the flow of traffic.
According to sources, the traffic signals were proposed during the tenure of former Curti-Khandepar sarpanch John Pereira.
“When I was the sarpanch during the previous panchayat, I visited various offices and managed to get the file cleared for the installation of the traffic signals,” Pereira told Herald.
“Work to install the traffic signals was completed in September 2012, but however traffic signals were in operation only in February this year after authorities widened the road shoulders at both ends of the bridge.
Curti-Khandepar Panch Sandip Khandeparkar has also emphasized on the need for a wider bridge.
“There has been some improvement after the traffic signals were installed. Though the road has also been widened at both ends, it is not sufficient to resolve the problem of traffic jams. The problem will be resolved only when the new and wide bridge is built,” said Khandeparkar.
Ponda Traffic Cell Police Inspector Prabhod Shirwaikar has, however, claimed that there has been considerable improvement in traffic management due to the traffic signals and subsequent road widening work at the bridge.
“Traffic management and operation of traffic signals is under observation and accordingly, steps will be taken to improvise the flow of traffic on the bridge,” said PI Shirwaikar.
