Navigating Roadblocks: Challenges and Protests in the Highway Widening Saga of South Goa
The vision of a well-connected and seamlessly accessible Goa through an expanded highway network is facing significant roadblocks in South Goa.
2024-08-01 11:27:20
The picturesque state of Goa, known for its sandy beaches and vibrant culture, is currently grappling with a complex issue that has put the brakes on the much-anticipated highway widening project in South Goa. While the northern stretches have seen significant progress, protests over land acquisition have created stumbling blocks in the ambitious plan to enhance the infrastructure in the southern part of the state.
Background:
The ambitious highway four/six-laning project in Goa kicked off in late 2016, aiming to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion.
The completion of most of the work in North Goa, up to Cortalim after the inauguration of the new Zuari bridge, stands in stark contrast to the challenges faced in South Goa.
Land Acquisition Woes:
One of the primary reasons for the delay in the highway widening project in South Goa is the resistance from locals in various regions. From Bhoma to Borim, Cuncolim to Karmal Ghat, protests have erupted over land acquisition, impeding progress and leaving large stretches untouched.
In the Karmal Ghat area, notorious for accidents, activists are advocating for the construction of a tunnel to safeguard the surrounding trees. This demand adds a layer of complexity to an already intricate situation, as different factions clash over the preferred alignment, each vying to protect their side of the houses, often at the expense of homes on the opposite side.
Canacona's Road to Progress:
The situation in Canacona is no different. Except for a 7km stretch in Chaudi and the Manohar Parrikar bridge, most of Canacona's roads are still awaiting widening. The stretch from Navelim to Canacona up to Pollem, the Goa-Karnataka border, remains untouched, reflecting the widespread protests and opposition faced by the authorities.
Cuncolim Bypass Conundrum:
The hurdles continue with the Cuncolim bypass, where only a portion of the required land has been acquired at Panzorconi.
The remaining land for the bypass alignment between Uskinibandh to the Balli primary health center is yet to be procured, further contributing to the project's escalating costs, now estimated at Rs 405 crore.
Mounting Costs and Delayed Dreams:
The highway widening project from Canacona bypass to Mashem, extending up to the Pollem check post, comes with an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore. Simultaneously, the stretch from Corlim in Old Goa up to Mollem faces challenges, particularly in Bhoma, where protests have stalled the acquisition process despite completed surveys. In Borim, too, opposition to land acquisition adds another layer of complexity.
The Bridge to Borim's Future:
As if the challenges weren't enough, the bridge connecting Borim to Loutolim, an integral part of the overall plan, is expected to cost a hefty Rs 400 crore. The financial implications and the growing dissent pose significant roadblocks to a smoother execution of the highway widening project in South Goa.
Conclusion:
The vision of a well-connected and seamlessly accessible Goa through an expanded highway network is facing significant roadblocks in South Goa. The clash between development aspirations and environmental concerns, coupled with the challenges of land acquisition, has created a complex scenario. As stakeholders strive to find common ground and address the concerns of all parties involved, the fate of the highway widening project in South Goa hangs in the balance, leaving residents and travelers alike awaiting a resolution to the impasse.
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