PWD to propose linking of 2 North Goa roads to NH

Panaji: Commuters using the road from Mapusa to Bicholim and Bicholim to Usgao could probably look forward to an improved travel experience in the near future. The state’s public works department (PWD) has decided to request the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) to declare these two stretches as a part of the national highway. If the PWD’s proposition which is currently in the process of being prepared obtains the MoRTH’s approval, it would imply that the costs involved in converting the stretch to a four-lane road will be borne by the central government.“Once the proposal is submitted, central government officials will visit Goa to ascertain whether these roads qualify to be a part of the national highway. The entire stretch, from Mapusa to Bicholim and from Bicholim to Usgao, is approximately 40km long,” a source said.
Following approval from the Union ministry, one section of the roadlying in the vicinity of Mapusawill become part of the NH 17, while the other sectionlying in the vicinity of Usgaowill connect with the NH 4A.
Enhancement of these thoroughfares will make interstate travel easier, as the road from Usgao leads to Mollem and Anmod Ghat. It will also ease commute for the residents of Bicholim and Usgao, who will otherwise have to grapple with the frequent passage of trucks through the area once mining activity resumes.
The village of Usgao is a transit point for tipper trucks carrying mineral ore from Quepem, Savordem, Sanguem and Tinai Ghat. Even the ore obtained from Karnataka is brought into Bicholim via Usgao. This inconveniences passenger vehicles originating from or proceeding towards Dharbandora, Mollem, Sacorda, Sanvordem, Dabal, Pratapnagar, Codli Tisk, Tamdi Surla, Sukhatalem, which inadvertently get caught up in the congestion.