Margao: Several commuters experienced hardships on the Ponda-Borim highway on Tuesday when ongoing repair work at the Borim bridge created an extensive traffic jam that lasted for several hours.The bridge rehabilitation work significantly reduced the width of the carriageway, creating bottlenecks that resulted in long queues extending for kilometres. The congestion caused substantial delays for office workers, students, and emergency services trying to navigate the busy route.
Frustrated residents and daily commuters voiced objections to the scheduling of the construction activities. Many argued that conducting repairs during daytime creates unnecessary chaos for those who use this route for their daily commute.Locals have appealed to the authorities to reschedule the repair work to night hours, when traffic volumes are substantially lower. They have contended that shifting work to evening and early morning slots would minimise disruption during peak travel periods and maintain better traffic flow on this busy road connecting Ponda and Borim with neighbouring areas.The bridge serves as an important traffic corridor for thousands of motorists daily. Citizens are demanding improved traffic management protocols and well-defined alternative routes until the bridge rehabilitation project reaches completion.The Borim bridge had undergone significant strengthening work in Oct-Nov 2025, including replacement of bearings and other rehabilitation measures that required temporary traffic restrictions. The PWD had completed central hinge bearing installations and other structural improvements earlier.
