Goa restricts elevated corridor after two deaths

Authorities in Goa have temporarily restricted the use of the newly opened 5.15-kilometre Porvorim elevated corridor after multiple road mishaps, including a crash that claimed two lives. The decision comes just days after the corridor was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and opened to traffic.

The elevated corridor was inaugurated on Wednesday and became operational on Friday. However, on Saturday, a car crash near the Panjim exit resulted in two fatalities. Officials attributed the accident to concerns over the design of the entry and exit section at the southern end of the corridor.

Following the incidents, the Goa Public Works Department (PWD) issued an order restricting access to the corridor from the Atal Setu side. The restrictions will remain in place until further notice while authorities assess traffic movement and the operational performance of the newly opened infrastructure.

Officials said the temporary closure is intended to help authorities study actual traffic patterns, congestion levels, travel times and diversion routes. They will also monitor queue lengths and other traffic-related parameters on the corridor and surrounding road network.

The PWD has also prohibited two-wheelers from using the elevated corridor. Access to and from Panjim, Porvorim and the popular North Goa beach belt through the affected section will remain restricted during the monitoring period.

The project, which began in January 2024 after procedural delays, was constructed at an estimated cost of ₹364.68 crore. It was planned as a key link between the Mumbai-Goa highway and Panaji and was expected to reduce traffic congestion on one of Goa’s busiest routes.

The corridor was particularly expected to improve connectivity towards North Goa destinations such as Calangute and Anjuna, as well as Mopa airport. It also connects with the Atal Setu, another major infrastructure project built at a cost of more than ₹1,000 crore.

The Goa government had pushed for the elevated corridor to open ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, when traffic and movement across the state generally increase. State Public Works Department Minister Digambar Kamat had previously described the project as important for reducing congestion and improving connectivity between Panjim and Mapusa.

Kamat had said the corridor would significantly reduce travel time and make daily commuting easier for people travelling for work, education and other activities. He had also described the project as a major infrastructure milestone for Goa.

Before its opening, Kamat said that although some finishing work remained, the corridor was considered safe from a traffic perspective and could be opened while the remaining work continued.

The latest restrictions, however, have raised fresh concerns about the corridor’s design and operational readiness. Authorities are now focusing on traffic monitoring and safety assessment before deciding when normal access can resume.

The government’s review will be crucial in determining whether changes are required at the entry and exit points to prevent further accidents and ensure safer movement for motorists once the corridor fully reopens.