Goa Ponda Residents Call for Flyover at Bethora Junction to Prevent Accidents
The residents of Bethora have raised alarms over the increasing risk of accidents at the four-way junction where the Curti-Borim bypass road intersects with the Ponda-Bethora road. The area has long been a point of contention for locals, who fear that the absence of adequate infrastructure at this busy crossroads could soon lead to a tragedy. Despite the heightened dangers, no overbridge or flyover has been constructed to alleviate the mounting pressure on this crucial intersection.
With the Curti-Borim bypass road undergoing widening and being upgraded to a national highway, traffic volumes have surged, especially with heavy vehicles speeding toward Margao or Belagavi. The expansion of the road, meant to accommodate increasing traffic, has only exacerbated the situation at the junction, making it a hotspot for congestion, particularly during peak working hours. Â A local resident, has been at the forefront of these calls for change, raising the issue at multiple gram sabha meetings and submitting several letters to the Public Works Department (PWD). “For the past two years, I have been highlighting the urgency of the matter. The risk is real, and the longer it remains unaddressed, the more likely it is that we will witness a major accident,” he said. His concerns reflect the growing frustration of many villagers who feel their safety is being overlooked by authorities, despite repeated appeals for action.
A senior official from the national highway division responded to the outcry, stating that steps are being taken to mitigate the risks. “The road contractor has already placed an order for the procurement of traffic signals, and we anticipate that it will take some time for the systems to be operational,” the official said. While the installation of traffic signals is seen as a positive step, locals argue that this is merely a temporary measure and that a more sustainable long-term solution, such as an underpass or flyover, is needed to address the root cause of the congestion and prevent further accidents. As the national highway division continues its work on the road, there is growing support for a flyover or underpass to safely separate the heavy traffic from local vehicles. The call for such infrastructure is not just a matter of convenience but a crucial step toward ensuring the safety of residents, especially those who must navigate the intersection daily.
The widening of the Curti-Borim bypass road, a long-awaited upgrade to a national highway, is a critical development aimed at easing traffic flow in the region. However, it has inadvertently highlighted a serious gap in the area’s road safety infrastructure. With the increased traffic, particularly from large trucks, the existing junction has become a bottleneck, creating hazardous conditions for all road users.
Given the long-standing concerns, it is clear that traffic signals alone will not suffice to safeguard the lives of those in the area. A holistic, forward-thinking approach is needed — one that balances development with sustainable, eco-friendly infrastructure. Incorporating green practices into road construction, such as eco-friendly flyovers or underpasses, can not only enhance road safety but also help reduce the environmental impact of such projects. This would align with a broader vision of creating more equitable, gender-neutral, and sustainable cities, where all residents, irrespective of their backgrounds, can move about safely and efficiently.
As the debate around the Ponda-Bethora junction continues, it is clear that immediate action is required. Whether it is the installation of traffic signals or a more comprehensive solution like a flyover, the needs of the community must be prioritised. A delay in addressing these concerns not only jeopardises public safety but also undermines the efforts to modernise and improve the region’s infrastructure in line with sustainable development goals.
