Goa PWD Initiates Major Highway Safety Overhaul with Rs 150 Crore Investment
The state public works department (PWD) in Goa has embarked on a comprehensive initiative to rectify black spots along various highways, with a total expenditure of Rs 150 crore. This significant funding is provided by the Union highways ministry, underscoring a collaborative effort to enhance road safety across the region.
Dhargalim Flyover and Underpass Projects Address Critical Congestion
In response to persistent demands from local residents, a flyover is currently under construction at Dhargalim, costing Rs 34 crore, to correct a notorious black spot on NH 66. Despite previous highway expansions in this area, the junction has continued to experience severe traffic congestion and has been the site of several fatal accidents. To further alleviate these issues, a vehicular underpass is also being developed at the Dhargalim junction, with the overall project pegged at Rs 37 crore.
Earlier, Dhargalim residents organized protests highlighting the chaotic traffic conditions at the Don Khamb intersection, emphasizing the urgent need for a flyover to reduce congestion and improve safety. Union highways minister Nitin Gadkari, following his 2025 visit to Goa, pointed out to PWD officials that despite the four-laning of highways in the state, several junctions were still exhibiting incorrect vehicular flow patterns.
Additional Safety Measures Across Goa
Beyond the Dhargalim initiatives, the Union ministry is funding the construction of a vehicular underpass near Naibag along the same highway, including the approach road. In Pernem, permanent slope protection measures have been sanctioned at the landslide-prone Malpem location, where highway expansion led to landslides and road closures. This work is being undertaken at a cost of Rs 11 crore.
In South Goa, multiple black spots are set for correction. A Rs 30 crore project will rectify the Verna-Nuvem section, while another Rs 12 crore work order has been granted to address black spots at Balli and the Cuncolim bus stand.
Defining and Eliminating Black Spots by 2026
Black spots are identified through corroborated data from the transport department and traffic police. An area is classified as a black spot if, over three years, five fatalities or 10 grievous injuries occur on a 500-meter stretch. According to central ministry directives, Goa is mandated to eliminate all identified black spots by 2026.
Further investments include Rs 1.7 crore sanctioned by the Centre for improving St Andrew’s junction at Vasco on NH 366, and Rs 24 crore allocated to correct black spots and implement road safety measures from Baithakhol to Sakhov, covering 1.61 kilometers in Ponda taluka.
