PONDA, Feb. 26 -- Team Herald

The recent widening of several roads in Ponda taluka has raised concerns among locals, as mud shoulders have also been asphalted, leaving no space for footpaths or pedestrian walkways. This has sparked debate over whether roads are being designed solely for vehicles, with little consideration for pedestrian safety.

Vishal Fadte, a resident of Ponda, highlighted the issue, stating, "Many roads in Ponda have been widened, leading to an increase in vehicle speeds. The side border lines, meant to alert vehicles, have been marked at the extreme edges of both sides of the road. However, due to the widening process, the mud shoulders have been eliminated, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road itself, putting the...