Verna flyover work pushes NH 566 closure deadline to Aug 31

Vasco: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has extended the closure of a key stretch of NH 566 at Verna until Aug 31 to facilitate the completion of the ongoing Verna flyover project.The affected section, between Vales junction and Vishal Mega Mart, was earlier scheduled to reopen on July 31. However, NHAI said delays in utility shifting, shortages of essential materials such as bitumen and LPG, and additional time required to safely execute the remaining work have pushed back the deadline by a month.“The safe and speedy completion of the Verna flyover project necessitates the extension of the closure,” NHAI said in a public notice.Under the existing traffic management plan, vehicles will continue to be diverted from the NH 566 carriageway onto the internal road network. Access to residents and businesses along the closed stretch will remain available through designated routes, the authority said.The Verna flyover project, comprising multiple flyovers and grade separators on the Dabolim–Verna corridor, is aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow towards the Verna industrial estate and Dabolim airport.The project has faced several hurdles since its inception. Construction was delayed after concerns were raised that some pillars exceeded the height restrictions applicable near Dabolim airport, potentially affecting flight operations. The issue was resolved after the Indian Navy granted a no-objection certificate subject to the reduction of the height of 17 pillars.