The Martrys Memorial built in the middle of the National Highway 17-A at this junction by Goa Shipyard Ltd to commemorate 50 years of Independence is an obstruction to the smooth flow of traffic besides being dangerous at night. During peak hours, this junction caters to a huge number of vehicles plying to and fro from this junction adding to huge traffic jams. The major problem faced by the vehicles due to the structure is that the view of vehicles in the opposite direction is blocked, thus obstructing smooth flow. This is mainly due to the height of the structure which poses an accident threat.
As per sources, the Chicalim Panchayat has appealed to the Goa Shipyard authorities to rebuild the Memorial in the open space next to the Goa Shipyard Colony on Airport road, but the authorities have stated that it was built and handed over to the government and hence it is now government property. The PWD (National Highways) have also failed to act on the Martrys Memorial in spite of a Supreme Court order to remove all obstacles from the main road. Considering the above problem, the concerned authorities should either reduce the height of the existing memorial or build a new one in a new location without hurting the sentiments of our freedom fighters. The Village Panchayat of Chicalim should also draw plans to develop and beautify the existing Chicalim junction to make it more appealing for the smooth flow of traffic.
