Even as the government has been crores of rupees in constructing the Porvorim elevated corridor, at the threshold of entrance to Porvorim and almost the start of the project, the road near the high mast is uneven and paved with innumerable potholes. Vehicles literally move cheek-by-jowl as the movement is slowed down by the potholed road and very often keep bumping into each other.
On many occasions, unsuspecting two-wheeler riders end up landing in the potholes, especially when they are filled with water. Traffic police seem to be making hay while the sun shines and are seen busy challaning violators but have least concern for those who follow the rules. The minimum that is expected from the men-in-uniform is to place signboards warning the bad condition of the road.
Recently, there was a police advisory warning commuters to go slowly as the roads were slippery due to the rains. There was neither a word nor a whisper issued by the top brass of the police advising motorists to be cautious as the roads were paved with potholes. Nobody is asking the police not to follow the government dictates, but at the same time if the department is concerned about road safety and minimising accidents, the least that they can do is to warn public about the potholes if they cannot afford to repair them.
The public pays road taxes and have a right to safe travel. Not repairing potholes amounts to criminal negligence on the part of the authorities. Are we waiting for innocent blood to spill on the roads? Will the government act only if someone files a PIL in the Court?