Mapusa: Pernem locals have raised safety concerns as parts of side barricades of the four-decade-old Tuem-Aroba-Dhargalim bridge, a vital link connecting Mandrem and Pernem constituencies to the national highway, collapsed.Locals said the narrow structure is already dangerous when two vehicles pass simultaneously. With a section now giving way, they warn that navigation will be perilous, raising risks of fatal accidents.“Instead of taking measures after an accident, the administration must act now to repair the damage, install warning signs, and ensure proper lighting,” said local Sanjay Raut, a CA by profession.“The side barricades collapsed nearly 15 days ago, but no authority has attended to it. We have placed temporary bamboo fixtures to avoid any accidents,” said another local, Girish Navelkar.Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar previously flagged the decrepit state of the four-decade-old bridge in the assembly, pushing for a wider replacement.Citizens are now demanding that the public works department immediately execute emergency on-site repairs, install protective barriers, and announce a strict timeline for the proposed new bridge.
