The long-awaited construction of the Dhargalim flyover at the accident-prone Donkhamb junction on the national highway has officially commenced, marking a significant victory for citizen safety advocates in Mapusa. This crucial infrastructure project finally moves forward after receiving strong backing from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and through coordinated efforts between central and state governments.
From Opposition to Urgent Demand
Interestingly, the flyover project was initially conceived during the highway's original construction phase but faced temporary cancellation due to opposition from some local residents and business owners. They had expressed concerns that the flyover would negatively impact their livelihoods and successfully lobbied for its cancellation at that time.
However, the situation dramatically changed in recent months as the Donkhamb junction transformed into what locals describe as a notorious accident black spot. The junction witnessed several serious collisions, including a concerning four-vehicle pile-up in May and a tragic fatal accident in July that shook the community.
Citizen Advocacy Drives Change
These alarming safety incidents prompted a complete reversal in public opinion. Citizens who had previously opposed the flyover now began actively campaigning for its immediate construction. Concerned residents and motorists appealed directly to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, highlighting the urgent safety concerns at the dangerous junction.
The collective voice of the community emphasized that public safety had become paramount over previous commercial concerns. This grassroots movement ultimately convinced authorities to revive the stalled infrastructure project with renewed urgency.
Traffic Management During Construction
To facilitate the flyover construction process, authorities have implemented temporary traffic management measures in the affected area. One-way traffic has been established in the Dhargalim-Donkhamb zone to ensure both construction safety and minimal disruption to daily commuters.
Local MLA Pravin Arlekar has publicly appealed to citizens and motorists for cooperation during this construction phase. "Citizens and motorists are urged to cooperate with the short-term traffic changes," Arlekar stated, emphasizing that these temporary adjustments are essential for completing the safety-enhancing project efficiently.
The commencement of the Dhargalim flyover construction represents a classic case of democratic responsiveness, where citizen concerns about public safety ultimately drove policy implementation. When completed, the flyover is expected to significantly reduce accidents at the problematic Donkhamb junction while improving traffic flow on this important national highway stretch.
