MARGAO, Feb. 11 -- Team Herald

Residents of Canacona have strongly opposed the proposed widening of NH-66 (formerly NH-17) along the existing alignment at Karmal Ghats, urging authorities to opt for a tunnel alternative instead. Their concerns have been supported by South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, who has written to Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari, requesting a reconsideration of the project.

Backing their argument is a feasibility study conducted by Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers & Consultants Pvt Ltd., which was commissioned by the Goa PWD. The study examined the stretch of NH-66 from Patradevi to Pollem, with particular focus on the Karmal Ghat section between Km 570 and Km 582. According to the findings, the ter...