The ambitious six-lane elevated corridor project at Porvorim in Goa has hit a significant roadblock, leading to a major extension of its completion deadline. Originally slated for an earlier finish, the Rs 640 crore infrastructure project is now expected to be completed only by late 2026, if not later. The primary reason for this delay is the immense challenge of managing traffic flow during construction, which has forced a slowdown in the pace of work.
Traffic Diversion Dilemma Slows Progress
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Digambar Kamat has openly addressed the delays, pointing to the inability to divert traffic efficiently as the core issue. The construction company tasked with building the flyover has been compelled to reduce its work speed because the state government is hesitant to completely shut down the crucial NH 66 highway.
"The work is delayed," Minister Kamat stated. "We have to make a decision about diversions and traffic flow, and only then can we know when the work will get done." This indecision stems from previous experiences where suggested diversion routes led to severe traffic snarls and congestion on the interior roads of Porvorim, causing public inconvenience.
Night Work Proposed to Keep Project on Track
In a bid to mitigate further delays and find a workable solution, authorities are considering a strategic shift in construction methodology. One of the key proposals currently on the table is to undertake major construction activities at night. This approach would allow workers to make significant progress while keeping the vital highway open for the heavy daytime traffic.
This night-shift model is seen as a potential compromise to balance the urgent need for infrastructure development with the daily commuting needs of thousands of residents and travelers. However, its implementation and effectiveness in accelerating the project back to its original schedule remain to be seen.
Broader Impact and Looking Ahead
The delay of the Porvorim elevated corridor has wider implications for North Goa's infrastructure and traffic management plans. The project is critical for decongesting the area and improving connectivity. The extended timeline means residents and commuters will have to contend with construction-related disruptions for a longer period than initially promised.
The state government now faces the tough task of finalizing a traffic management plan that minimizes public hardship while allowing construction to proceed at a viable pace. The move to potentially work at night highlights the administrative effort to find innovative solutions, but the new deadline of late 2026 sets a cautious and extended expectation for the project's completion.
