Two sections of national highway at Porvorim to be shut from Jan 2

Panaji: State govt on Saturday announced the closure of two stretches of National Highway (NH) 66 for two months from Jan 2, 2026, to facilitate the construction of the six-lane elevated corridor at Porvorim. The two stretches include one from near ODP Road (new bypass road) to near Damian de Goa and the second closure of the road from Kadamba Hotel to the O’Coqueiro junction.TOI had reported that the proposed closure of the national highway section coinciding with the tourist season could lead to traffic snarls on the Chogm Road. Later, the authorities decided to defer the closure of roads.As per the notification issued by North Goa collector Ankit Yadav, heavy vehicles carrying essential commodities shall not be able to travel on ODP road from Mapusa due to the steep ascent. “One lane on the existing carriageway will be kept open for all traffic proceeding from Mapusa to Panaji,” Yadav said.The notification said that all the proposed diversion routes will be in motorable condition and sufficient illumination will be made available all along the route. All the wild vegetation shall be removed, and the height of the electrical wires will be maintained.“Transportation of bridge segments will not be carried out during the day,” the collector said.The notification said that a dedicated lane on either side shall be maintained for the movement of emergency vehicles, including ambulance and fire brigade. “This lane can also be used to ease traffic snarls, if any,” Yadav said.Considering the paucity of manpower with traffic police, the contractor has been directed to deploy at least two traffic marshals during the restriction period at each diversion point to assist traffic police. The collector said that the contractor will provide cranes, which will be supervised by Porvorim traffic cell PI, to remove breakdown vehicles or to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles.Yadav said the traffic marshals will be stationed (in consultation with traffic police) at all strategic locations with uniform, reflective jackets, and flashing batons. The contractor has been told not to close any roads or effect diversion without prior intimation to Porvorim traffic cell and Porvorim police station, he said.“The contractor will appoint a supervisor and share his contact details with Porvorim traffic cell PI. The contractor has also been told that permission for diversion/closure of roads in phase 2 can be sought only upon completion of phase 1,” the collector said.