Porvorim, 13th November 2024 – In a recent statement, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing and Stationery, shared updates on the ongoing National Highway work, emphasizing the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects and minimizing public inconvenience. While the work has begun and periodic reviews have been conducted, certain persistent challenges require focused attention to ensure smoother traffic flow and project efficiency.
Despite continuous efforts and ongoing discussions with various departments, heavy traffic remains a significant concern. Measures have been implemented to alleviate congestion, but further coordination between departments is crucial to achieve tangible improvements. Stronger collaboration, particularly among the PWD, traffic police, and municipal authorities, is essential to streamline project execution. This enhanced coordination aims to instill public confidence in the government’s development initiatives and address the ongoing difficulties faced by commuters.
Highlighting some critical areas, the Minister mentioned the road widening from Chogam Road to Damian de Goa and the need for faster implementation of solutions near the Holy Family School and the Holy Family Church junction. These areas will be prioritized with the concerned departments to expedite the work. Speaking about the road near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, he emphasized that repair work needs to be prioritized and has already been convened with the concerned departments. The deployment of additional traffic signals and manpower is currently under discussion with traffic authorities to help manage these congested zones better.
Minister Khaunte addressed the significant increase in traffic expected during the peak tourism season. “We anticipate three times the normal traffic volume due to the festive and tourist influx. We’ve engaged departments handling roads, electricity, sewage, and traffic for a comprehensive review. Our target is to complete the critical roadwork by December 5,” he said. A joint coordination effort is ongoing to ensure that disruptions are minimized and progress is reviewed regularly. Follow-up meetings with all stakeholders, including local panchayats, are scheduled within the next 10-15 days to ensure actionable steps are being effectively implemented.
Minister Khaunte reiterated his active involvement in resolving issues affecting residents, ensuring his intervention for immediate action whenever the need arises. While some challenges are inevitable, with a focus on both speed and quality, the Minister remains confident that improvements will benefit the community.
The Minister urged the public for patience and cooperation, assuring them that coordinated efforts are underway to manage traffic efficiently and complete roadwork on time, ensuring that Goa is well-prepared for the forthcoming tourism season.
