CHOKE-A-BLOCK

Unarguably the commissioning of third Mandovi Bridge and the bridge connecting Mala to Patto will ease traffic congestion in near future, but their ongoing work in the present scenario has led to a chaotic traffic condition in Panjim.

The peak hours have been termed as worst by commuters, some of whom claim, are forced to leave home early to ensure children reach their respective schools in time and so also office-goers are punctual. 

While traffic mess is now a common occurrence, in an instance a major traffic jam at EDC Patto Plaza over a week ago tested patience of the commuters. Closure of one of the exits of the area due to the ongoing construction work of the new cable stayed bridge over River Mandovi kept motorists stranded for a while during the evening hours. Sources said that L&T had closed an exit road due to digging to lay the foundation for one of the pillars.

“The early morning and evening hours are the worst but there is no alternative to beat the city traffic. There is always a rush during these hours and in the last few months; I am leaving home at least 20 minutes earlier than my usual time so that I am not late to work,” said Savia De Sa, a head chef at a resort in the outskirts. 

The Alto-Torda resident has nearly given up travelling in a four-wheeler and is instead using her bike. “I use my car only in the rains. It is easier to ride a bike to work in the traffic,” she said. 

Another commuter from Verna has also described the travel to Panjim as he narrates his ordeal stating that the construction work has added to the woes. “The number of vehicles has undoubtedly increased in the recent past but what has added to the problem is the ongoing construction of the bridges. Their regular inspections and closure of one Mandovi Bridge on several occasions gets on our nerves. I just hope the works are complete at the earliest and as promised by the government, the traffic situation gets better,” Sarang Mehta, owner two garment stores in Panjim and Porvorim expressed. 

A parent of two school-going children has a similar story to narrate. “My day begins by dropping children to school at Cujira complex. I return home and then immediately rush to office. It takes me not less than 40 minutes per trip,” said the Saligao resident, requesting anonymity as he closely works with the government over selective projects. 

With the city being the main hub of many government offices and educational institutions, the intensity of traffic multiplies particularly during the morning and evening hours. A senior traffic police officer said that floating vehicles in the tourist season has also increased the vehicular movement on the streets even as attempts are made to ensure smooth flow of traffic. 

“There are certain road diversions which also create chaos. Nevertheless, whenever any situation like this occurs, we immediately spring into action to control the traffic,” a traffic personnel claimed citing several instances wherein traffic police are summoned to control heavy traffic jams in many pockets of Panjim.