PANJIM: Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been made for the extravagant Carnival 2015 float parade which will be held in the capital on Saturday. Hundreds of police personnel will be deployed to monitor the float parade.
The traffic cell, on Thursday, stated that the Carnival floats will be lined up on the Ribandar causeway – from Divja Circle to Ribandar-Merces junction – and thereafter from 2.30pm, they will be allowed to park at the starting point at Old Secretariat from where the parade will start at 3 pm. The floats parade will culminate at Kala Academy, after which all the floats will be parked at Bandodkar football ground.
The traffic police have also diverted routes for incoming traffic to Panjim. Vehicles will be diverted at Goa Konkani Academy tri-junction to proceed via old Patto bridge – Joao Castro Road – Jose Falcao Road – Church Square to reach their respective destinations. While vehicles coming from new Mandovi bridge and Bambolim to enter Panjim will be diverted to enter via Konkani Academy tri-junction – Old Patto bridge, and not be allowed to enter via Divja Circle.
The city buses have been barred from entering the city once the Carnival float parade begins.
The outgoing traffic from Miramar will take a right turn from Campal Ganesh temple near Bal Bhavan to proceed via the Fire services junction – St Inez junction – Caculo island – M G Road/18th June Road – Hindu Pharmacy road – Casa International – Match Corner – behind Secretariat – new Patto bridge (presently used for incoming traffic) – Divja Circle – KTC/Kingfisher circle.
Traffic coming from Rua-de-Ourem on reaching Hotel Sona will not be allowed to take a right turn. This traffic will be diverted to take left turn and then right turn near Hotel Vihar and exit via new Patto bridge.
In view of ban on entry of vehicles into the city, no heavy/commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter the city from 7 am to 9 pm. Similarly the heavy and other commercial vehicles including all tourist buses coming from Dona Paula will not be allowed to go beyond Miramar Circle after 2 pm.
