Calangute: The Chogm road, a vital route used by most tourists heading to the Bardez coastal belt, is in a perilous condition due to numerous potholes and uneven surfaces caused by repeated digging and subsequent repairs, according to Saligao and Calangute panchayat members.
Panchayat Members Highlight Risks
Geeta Parab, a Calangute panchayat member, stated that after repeated digging for underground electricity cables and water pipelines, the road has been patched up but remains compromised. The surface has sunk on one side and developed potholes. She warned, “During monsoon, water will fill the sunken portions and endanger the lives of riders.”
Local residents reported that the entire Chogm road stretch from O’Coqueiro junction to Calangute features sunken sections and potholes every few meters. They are urgently calling for remedial action before more mishaps occur.
Hotelier Calls for Immediate Intervention
Walter Lobo, a hotelier, urged the Saligao and Calangute MLAs to take corrective measures before any more fatal accidents happen. He described the stretch near Saligao church as a “death trap, especially at night, when the entire area is in darkness with no functional street lights.”
The deteriorating condition of the road poses a serious threat to commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders and pedestrians. The lack of proper lighting exacerbates the danger after sunset. Local authorities are being pressed to prioritize repairs and ensure safety measures are implemented swiftly.
