Goa's NH 66 to Undergo Rs 50 Crore Safety Overhaul in Pernem Taluka
Significant infrastructure works valued at approximately Rs 50 crore are poised to commence in Pernem taluka, Goa, aimed at rectifying defects that emerged during the expansion of National Highway 66. These comprehensive measures, fully funded by the Union Ministry of Highways, are designed to enhance road safety and address critical vulnerabilities along this vital corridor.
Naibag Underpass: A Permanent Solution for a Notorious Blackspot
A key component of this initiative is the construction of a vehicular underpass at Naibag, a location notorious as an accident blackspot. This project comes in response to persistent demands from local residents following several accidents at the Naibag junction, which highlighted the urgent need for preventative safety measures to avert fatalities.
In 2024, authorities installed a traffic signal at the junction as a temporary intervention, despite such signals typically not being permitted on national highways. This interim measure was implemented to manage traffic until the underpass project could be initiated. The contract for this crucial underpass has been awarded to MD Infra at a cost of Rs 23 crore, with an agreement formally signed in October of last year.
To facilitate uninterrupted construction, the Public Works Department (PWD) has announced a traffic diversion on NH 66's temporary extended lanes, stretching from the Bhatpavni junction to the Naibag signal. This diversion will remain in effect until June 1, 2026, ensuring the project progresses smoothly.
Combatting Landslide Risks on NH 66
Beyond the underpass, the safety plan encompasses vital landslide protection measures along two vulnerable stretches of the highway. One of these critical areas is at Malpem, where previous hill-cutting activities for the highway's 4/6-laning project rendered the slope prone to landslides.
Officials confirmed that the Union Ministry sanctioned Rs 14.1 crore in September last year for permanent landslide protection at Malpem. "The bids have been received and are under evaluation at present," stated an official. This follows concerns over an existing landslide protection wall at the site, which tilted and sustained damage during the last monsoon due to water accumulation at its base, raising fears among locals about a potential collapse onto passing vehicles.
Additionally, Bansal Infra has been awarded the contract for hillside slope protection work at another location along NH 66, with a project cost of Rs 10.1 crore. The agreement for this work is slated to be signed shortly, according to officials.
A Coordinated Safety Drive for Goa
These extensive works are being undertaken as part of the annual road safety plan for Goa for 2024-25, specifically targeting identified blackspots to create a safer travel environment. The initiatives underscore a proactive approach to infrastructure management, addressing both immediate accident risks and long-term geological hazards on one of the region's busiest highways.
The combined efforts—ranging from the strategic underpass to engineered slope stabilizations—represent a significant investment in public safety and infrastructure resilience for Pernem taluka and all users of NH 66 in Goa.
