Daijiworld Media Network – Brahmavar (TP)
Brahmavar, April 21: The Brahmavar Flyover Agitation Committee has announced a massive protest on April 29, demanding the urgent construction of a service road and flyover in Brahmavar. The decision was taken during a meeting held at the Rotary Club auditorium, Brahmavar, on Monday, April 21.
A core committee was formed during the meeting to spearhead the protest and coordinate future actions to ensure the construction of the proposed infrastructure.
Alwyn Andrade, member of the core committee of the Brahmavar Flyover Agitation Committee, addressing the meeting, said, “Several innocent lives have already been lost due to the unscientific road design. The land around the highway belongs to the government, so constructing a flyover here is entirely feasible. Unfortunately, nothing has been done, and if we continue to remain silent, more lives will be at risk. Brahmavar alone accounts for five of the 22 identified accident black spots in the district. There’s a misconception that the people of Brahmavar opposed the flyover in the past. In reality, the objection was against the embankment plan, which would have divided the town.”
Speaking to the media, Alwyn Andrade added, “We have appealed to the district administration multiple times, stressing the urgent need for a service road and flyover. Despite receiving promises and dates, no work has commenced. Therefore, we held this meeting and decided to organise a massive protest. A core committee has been formed to lead this initiative.”
Vasanth Giliyar, member of the core committee, during the meeting said, “When the circle inspector of Brahmavar enquired about the requirements here, we provided him with all the necessary details. Even he was shocked by the seriousness of the situation. He assured us that the work would begin immediately and requested us to wait until Monday, so we withdrew the earlier protest plan. However, no progress has been made since. We also approached our MP, who assured us that he would seek an appointment with union minister Nitin Gadkari to propose the construction of a flyover.”
Fr Lawrence David Crasta said, “The Brahmavar Flyover Agitation Committee has organised a massive protest, and I urge a large number of people to join and support this cause. According to a report from a private hocspital, around 220 people lost their lives on this stretch of the National Highway in 2023 alone. A flyover is urgently needed here to prevent further tragedies.”
Uday Kumar, member of the core committee of the Brahmavar Flyover Agitation Committee, said, “A core committee has been formed to take this movement forward. We appeal to the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police to extend their cooperation in this life-saving initiative. We strongly urge the authorities to begin construction of the service road immediately, even before the protest date.”
Steven Lewis, advocate, Brahmavar, said, “A flyover is an urgent and essential requirement here, as the National Highway runs through the heart of Brahmavar, where several government offices, educational institutions, and religious centres are located. At the very least, a service road should be constructed while the flyover project is being taken up. Through this protest, we aim to remind our elected representatives and government officials of their responsibility to ensure public safety.”
Members of the committee, local leaders, core committee members, residents and others were present during the meeting.