Mishap on Talaulim slope raises concerns

Panaji: A truck negotiating a hazardous stretch with a steep slope and sharp curve at Santan, Talaulim, lost control and nearly plunged downhill, but was stopped by a tree and a roadside barrier. The vehicle, carrying rubble, turned on its side, averting a tragedy.

Residents questioned the restoration of the collapsed slope done about a year ago, saying the quality of work, road design and safety measures need to be reviewed.

“The safety measures have not been completed and heavy vehicles heading down the slope are likely to lose control,” said local resident Ramrao Wagh. He added that a speed breaker at a higher level on the slope was necessary and should have been incorporated in the design.

Local panchayat leaders reached the spot, and with the help of heavy machinery, rescued the driver who was trapped inside the cabin. No casualties were reported.

The road, restored with the construction of a retaining wall at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh, was opened shortly before the exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier in Nov 2024. However, within a span of a few months, a portion of it caved in, raising doubts over the quality of the work.

“The unstable part had been barricaded and the road reduced to a single lane for some time,” another resident said. Although the full width of the road near St Anne’s Church was later opened, residents said accidents continue to occur due to the steep slope and sharp curve.