NT Reporter
Vasco/Margao
In response to long-standing public outrage and safety concerns regarding visibility issues and traffic obstruction near the new flyover in Vasco, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus has issued a comprehensive order mandating the demolition of illegal structures, relocation of gates, and implementation of road safety measures.
The order, issued after months of public protests and appeals by elected representatives, particularly Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, addresses the issues of compound wall and gate erected by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) at Baina, which was accused of blocking access to the up-ramp connecting the Baina flyover and endangering road users.
Cleetus directed the relocation of metallic gates, removal of obstructive compound walls, and construction of road infrastructure including dividers, speed breakers, and railings to improve traffic flow and visibility. Signboards and strict lane usage instructions have also been outlined.
According to the notification, the metallic gates placed at the entry of the newly constructed lane under the foot overbridge (FOB) and at the down-ramp exit near Suresh Bar/RTO office shall be relocated to Pillar No. 94. Further, the compound wall constructed on the road median, which obstructs visibility, shall be removed to ensure a clear line of sight. A triangular divider will be constructed at the down-ramp exit to channelise traffic and minimise collision risk. Right turns will be prohibited at the divider opening for vehicles proceeding from Vasco to Patron Baina under the FOB, post the metallic gates, between two flyover pillars.
The Collector also specified that “hump-type speed breakers conforming to IRC specifications shall be constructed — one on Patron Baina beach road, 15 metres prior to the down-ramp exit junction, and another on the down-ramp lane, 25 metres prior to the junction.”
The executive engineer of PWD (roads) has been instructed to implement all these measures promptly and submit an action-taken report within 30 days, with photographic evidence.
Additionally, the Collector issued a notification directing MPA to shift the gate and compound wall behind at Baina, which MPA had been reluctant to move despite repeated objections. The illegal construction, reportedly erected overnight, had been the focal point of months of agitation by local residents, the Mormugao Municipal Council, and public representatives, who termed the notification a people’s victory.
MLA Salkar extended gratitude to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for his support in resolving the issue, stating that the decision marked a major win for the safety and convenience of Vascoites.
