GUIRIM: The ongoing extension of NH 66 in Goa is contributing to commuters’ problems as they are forced to move on narrow roads and dodge potholes amid inadequate lighting and traffic signage. risk, they say, increases guirim (Green Park) and karswada Junction in Bardez, where road dividers and the absence of clear signage confuse many motor driver, even those who regularly use the route.
Local bus driver Namdev Pednekar says the traffic congestion is particularly troubling during the afternoon. “At some places, service roads or exits are not clearly indicated, so many vehicles accidentally get into the path of oncoming traffic. The narrow Karswara section is extremely inconvenient to travel as it is used as a two-way road by trucks and cars. The road can hardly accommodate one-way traffic,” he said.
On July 2, 2021, TOI had put forward a report on how widening and excavation work by government agencies had caused similar navigation issues and damage to roads at the busy Chimbel Junction along the Kadamba Plateau Bypass Road and at Mars Junction.
The problems at the Girim and Karswara junctions increase after sunset as the lack of illumination makes it difficult to spot stray cattle on the roads. Motorists, especially two-wheeler riders, also complain that they are unable to see the deep potholes when the rain water gets flooded. Then there is also the issue of the lack of barricades on some elevated surfaces.
“Those traveling from Gurim Cross to Karswara run the risk of turning on the extreme left of the elevated road, which does not have railings to protect vehicles from falling,” says regular commuter, Dion DeSouza.
The junction connecting to Bastora has similar problems, including an extremely narrow bridge that often floods when it rains. Due to the narrow roads on both sides of the junction, the problem of jam persists.
The service road from Ekoi to Bastora near the traffic light is also in bad condition. It is narrow and due to lack of clear signals, sometimes vehicles come on a one-way street.
Local bus driver Namdev Pednekar says the traffic congestion is particularly troubling during the afternoon. “At some places, service roads or exits are not clearly indicated, so many vehicles accidentally get into the path of oncoming traffic. The narrow Karswara section is extremely inconvenient to travel as it is used as a two-way road by trucks and cars. The road can hardly accommodate one-way traffic,” he said.
On July 2, 2021, TOI had put forward a report on how widening and excavation work by government agencies had caused similar navigation issues and damage to roads at the busy Chimbel Junction along the Kadamba Plateau Bypass Road and at Mars Junction.
The problems at the Girim and Karswara junctions increase after sunset as the lack of illumination makes it difficult to spot stray cattle on the roads. Motorists, especially two-wheeler riders, also complain that they are unable to see the deep potholes when the rain water gets flooded. Then there is also the issue of the lack of barricades on some elevated surfaces.
“Those traveling from Gurim Cross to Karswara run the risk of turning on the extreme left of the elevated road, which does not have railings to protect vehicles from falling,” says regular commuter, Dion DeSouza.
The junction connecting to Bastora has similar problems, including an extremely narrow bridge that often floods when it rains. Due to the narrow roads on both sides of the junction, the problem of jam persists.
The service road from Ekoi to Bastora near the traffic light is also in bad condition. It is narrow and due to lack of clear signals, sometimes vehicles come on a one-way street.
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