Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, May 26: NH-66 motorists passing through Porvorim will continue to face traffic diversions and congestion for at least another month, with the partial closure of a key stretch now extended till June 30.

Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) said the extension has been necessitated due to additional time required for completing work on the landing section of the Porvorim elevated corridor near Neo Majestic Hotel. The earlier notification had permitted closure of the right-hand side stretch from April 24 to May 20, between the approach road near Neo Majestic Hotel and the vicinity of Gauri Petrol Pump.

PWD sources confirmed that the restriction will now remain in force beyond the earlier deadline, though they maintained that the overall elevated corridor project is still on schedule and is expected to be opened to the public by Ganesh Chaturthi in September.

Senior officials from RRSM Infra Pvt Ltd said superstructure work has entered its final phase, with segment hoisting underway on the last four spans. The company said the work is likely to be completed by May 30 if weather conditions remain favourable, with rains expected to cause minor delays.

They further stated that ramp construction on both sides of the corridor is nearing completion, while hotmixing of service roads and drainage works have largely been completed ahead of the monsoon season. Authorities said efforts are being made to minimise inconvenience to commuters despite space constraints at the work site.

The elevated corridor project, aimed at easing long-standing traffic congestion along the Porvorim stretch of NH-66, has been under public scrutiny due to repeated diversions, dust pollution, and peak-hour bottlenecks affecting daily commuters. However, officials expressed confidence that the project, once completed, will significantly improve traffic flow in the region.