Team Herald
MARGAO: Digging for sewerage pipelines, gas pipelines, and other infrastructure work on busy roads in Salcete has been hampering the free movement of vehicles for several months, leaving residents worried that it may snowball into a Panjim-like situation.
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Currently, road excavation is underway in Gogal Housing Board, Ramnagri, Malbhat, Borda, Davorlim, and other areas. Notably, the work is being carried out only during daytime, adding to the inconvenience of road users, particularly office-goers. Roads and lanes are being closed arbitrarily at the discretion of site supervisors, without proper alternative traffic arrangements for commuters. The absence of police personnel to regulate traffic on these narrow roads is further contributing to congestion and accidents.
For instance, a few days ago, the Ramnagri road was closed for four-wheelers due to ongoing excavation. However, the concerned department failed to provide any alternate route, leaving vehicle owners struggling to reach their destinations.
Suresh Naik, a resident of Ramnagri, highlighted that in several places, roads have been dug up, reducing their width, making it difficult for vehicles to pass. He pointed out that people traveling from Ramnagri to Gogol were forced to take a long detour via Davorlim to reach their destination. “No prior intimation was given before closing busy roads meant for vehicular traffic,” he said.
Sandeep Naik from Gogal expressed frustration over the incomplete repair work. “In Gogol, particularly at the Housing Board, roads were dug up, and while the work was completed, the roads have not been repaired. Several dug-up roads have been left unattended for over three months,” he said. He also alleged that well-maintained tarred roads were unnecessarily damaged during excavation and have yet to be restored.
The digging of busy roads has added to pollution and traffic congestion due to the dust it generates. Additionally, road closures and lane restrictions have disrupted the normal traffic flow, leading to severe congestion.
Residents are increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of work, as excavation is only being carried out during the day, instead of utilizing night hours to minimize inconvenience to road users.
A supervisor from the company responsible for the road digging assured that all dug-up roads would be repaired. “Tarring of the roads has already begun in some parts of Salcete, and the remaining work will be completed as soon as possible,” he stated.
