The solution to the everyday traffic woes is right in front of the authorities but the will to implement the same is not there. This is the feeling amongst the locals of Pernem, who have only been given empty promises for the last couple of years. And they fear that they will have to endure another long wait, before projects like the bus stand and parking facility will be ready. These projects will go a long way in easing the prevailing traffic congestion. The locals question the delays with the under-construction new bus stand, which was initially supposed to have been inaugurated in the year 2015. Later, it was supposed to have been inaugurated in 2018. It will be 2020 in a few months and nothing seems to have changed as the project is still not open to the public.
Officials said that a few incomplete works such as waterproofing, illuminiation etc, has held up the official handing over of the project from Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) to Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC).
What frustrates locals further is the corresponding delay on the proposed underground parking project for 400 two-wheelers and 50 four-wheelers at the site. Other side facilities will include the shifting of the transport office as well renting the space by commercial establishments like shops, cafeteria etc to generate revenue.
Currently, locals point out that Pernem does not have a separate stand to accommodate the buses. This adds to the daily chaotic scenes witnessed in the market, which is compounded by parking of vehicles on the road. Locals also add that the authorities should provide parking facilities for the public at the earliest.
They also refer to the major festival of Pernem – Pernem Punav, which is coming up in a month’s time and how people from across the State visit during this period.
“Due to the absence of parking facilities, people are forced to park their vehicles on the outskirts of the town,” a local added.
When contacted, Deputy Director of KTC, Deepak Naik said the pending works are almost ready.
“We held an inspection of the project few months back during which, it was learnt that some of the project works are incomplete. We then directed GSIDC to complete the pending works. This should be completed in a month or two. GSIDC will then be in a position to hand over the project to KTC and once that’s done, the shops will be tendered and pay parking will be made open for the public,” he added.
