Panaji: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar today demanded the resignation of PWD Minister Digambar Kamat and sought a transparent, independent inquiry into the safety, planning, and utility of the newly inaugurated Porvorim Flyover, following reports of two deaths within 24 hours of its inauguration.
“This is not about political point-scoring. It is about accountability and public safety. Crores of rupees have been spent, grand celebrations were held, and the Government was quick to claim credit for the project. But when serious concerns emerge immediately after the inauguration, the Minister responsible for the department cannot simply distance himself from responsibility,” Chodankar said.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision to restrict two-wheelers from using the flyover shortly after its inauguration.
“If the flyover was ready to be inaugurated with such fanfare, why were serious operational and safety concerns not addressed before opening it to the public? Why did restrictions on two-wheelers become necessary almost immediately? These are legitimate questions that the Government must answer publicly.”
Chodankar said the reported deaths make the matter even more serious.
“We are not prejudging the cause of these deaths, and the circumstances must be established through a proper investigation. But when two fatalities are reported within such a short period after a major infrastructure project becomes operational, the Government has a duty to examine every relevant aspect — road design, traffic movement, signage, lighting, access points, speed management, and overall safety.”
WHAT PROBLEM HAS THE FLYOVER ACTUALLY SOLVED?
Chodankar also questioned the project’s overall traffic utility.
“The Government must tell Goans clearly what traffic problem this flyover has actually solved. If four-wheelers still have to cross Atal Setu to enter or exit Panaji, then what is the real traffic benefit being delivered to commuters?”
“Infrastructure cannot be judged by the size of its inauguration ceremony or the number of political leaders taking credit. It must be judged by whether it makes travel safer, faster, and more convenient for ordinary citizens.”
CRORES SPENT — ACCOUNTABILITY CANNOT BE OPTIONAL
The GPCC President said taxpayers deserve complete transparency regarding the project.
“The Government has spent public money on this infrastructure. Goans, therefore, have every right to demand answers on its planning, design, safety assessment, traffic study, and operational preparedness. Public infrastructure is not the property of any minister or political party. It belongs to the people.”
Chodankar said the PWD Minister cannot claim only the credit associated with the project while leaving responsibility to officials whenever concerns arise.
“If the Minister was willing to stand in front of cameras and take political credit for the project, he must also be willing to answer difficult questions when the project faces serious safety and operational concerns. Leadership means accepting responsibility, not just accepting applause.”
