Panjim Smart City Roads Collapse After Monsoon Rains
The early monsoon showers in Goa have triggered a collapse in Panjim’s road infrastructure, casting serious doubts on the quality and claims of recently completed Smart City projects. What was showcased as a transformation into a modern, resilient urban centre is now marked by potholes, uneven surfaces, and frustrated residents navigating crumbling roads.
One of the most affected areas is the junction near a prominent hotel, where potholes have reappeared just weeks after roadwork was reportedly completed. Other parts of the city, including Bhatlem and Santa Cruz, present similar scenes, with stretches marked by waterlogging and broken pavements. In Bhatlem, interlocking block pavements have failed to provide a safe riding surface.
The road remains patchy and slippery, particularly hazardous for two-wheelers. An alternative route built for bridge construction along the Mala–Santa Cruz stretch is also riddled with potholes, worsening the commute for daily motorists. Motorists say navigating these stretches has become increasingly dangerous. Many point out that the interlocking blocks have made the surface even more uneven during rains.
“It becomes impossible to ride safely in this condition,” said a local commuter. Others shared concerns over recurring damage despite regular public complaints. Residents claim this is not a one-off failure but a pattern repeated each monsoon season. Roads patched before the rains disintegrate shortly after, suggesting either poor materials or hasty execution under the Smart City banner.
Officials had earlier assured long-lasting, climate-resilient infrastructure as part of the city’s transformation. However, the ground reality tells a different story. Activists are raising urgent concerns about accountability. One civic campaigner said that even two weeks of rain were enough to reveal the substandard quality of work. “Taxpayer money is being wasted. These are not just potholes; they are proof of systemic negligence.”
Questions are also being raised about the delay in routine maintenance. Despite repeated appeals, patchwork repairs are either delayed or ineffective. One resident described the situation as a civic “nuisance” that undermines both public safety and trust. “Even before June ends, our so-called Smart City roads have collapsed. What rocket science does it take to fix potholes before they become deadly?”
