Bicholim Bypass Road Becomes Accident Hotspot Due to Neglected Cable Trench Restoration
The electricity department's project to lay underground cables along the bypass road from Bicholim bus stand to Van Maulinguem has backfired, transforming a vital thoroughfare into a perilous zone for commuters and pedestrians alike. Trenches excavated for the cable installation have been left in a hazardous state due to improper restoration, creating a significant public safety emergency that local authorities are being urged to address immediately.
Narrowed Roads and Wrong-Side Driving Become the New Norm
According to Sushant Haldankar, a concerned resident of Van Maulinguem, the road has dangerously narrowed because approximately two meters of the stretch remain inadequately repaired. This has forced vehicles traveling towards Van Maulinguem and Chambharkond to resort to driving on the wrong side of the road to circumvent the damaged sections. This reckless adaptation not only violates traffic norms but exponentially increases the likelihood of head-on collisions and other catastrophic accidents.
Two-Wheeler Riders Face Imminent Skidding Dangers
Local resident Vithoba Malik has raised alarming concerns about the specific risks posed to two-wheeler riders. He estimates that between 40 to 50 spots along the route from the bus stand to Van Maulinguem feature improperly restored left portions of the road. These uneven surfaces create a high probability of skidding, which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists and scooter riders navigating the compromised pathway.
Pedestrians are equally vulnerable, as the damaged road conditions make it unsafe for them to walk along the stretch, further compounding the community's transportation woes.
Community Outcry Demands Immediate Rectification
Frustrated villagers have collectively appealed to the electricity department to prioritize the complete and proper restoration of the road at the earliest possible opportunity. The current situation is causing daily inconvenience and posing an unacceptable threat to public safety. Residents emphasize that the department's responsibility extends beyond merely laying cables; it includes ensuring that public infrastructure is returned to a safe and functional state post-construction.
The ongoing neglect highlights a critical gap in project oversight and post-work accountability, leaving the citizens of Bicholim to bear the brunt of administrative lapses. Until the road is fully repaired, the bypass remains a ticking time bomb for accidents, demanding urgent intervention from the concerned authorities.
