Tragedy on Goa’s Roads Continues Unabated

And the blood bath on Goa's roads continues! Accidents, fatalities and injuries continue to grab the space of breaking news and headlines across all media platforms. The government has been assuring and reassuring the citizens that all will be well and it's taking all required measures to ensure the safety of motorists on the roads.

On Tuesday, October 8, two severe accidents were reported, highlighting the urgent need for action. The first incident occurred in Usgao at the notoriously dangerous Khursakade junction. In a violent head-on collision between a motorcycle and a car, Prashant Ghadi, a 25-year-old rider from Tisk-Usgao, suffered critical injuries. The impact was so intense that Ghadi was thrown several metres into the air before crashing onto the road. His helmet was shattered, and his motorcycle was severely damaged. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries the following day at Goa Medical College in Bambolim.

The second incident took place at Corlim in Old Goa, where six individuals were injured in a multi-vehicle collision involving a tempo carrying soft drinks, a car, and two two-wheelers. The injured included members of the Shirsagar family from Mumbai, who were travelling in the car, as well as two other riders.

Each fatal accident represents not just a loss of life but the shattering of families and communities. These tragedies leave behind grieving loved ones who often face financial difficulties, particularly if the deceased was the primary breadwinner. The impact of such incidents resonates throughout the community, creating a climate of fear and insecurity on the roads.

One of the most challenging aspects of addressing road safety in Goa is identifying a single root cause for the alarming rate of accidents, particularly those involving two-wheelers. For years, the State has focused on infrastructure development, including roadworks and bridge construction. However, this has often been executed haphazardly, leaving many roads in disarray, particularly in rural areas. It is not uncommon to find roads dug up but not properly resurfaced, resulting in perilous conditions for motorists. The capital city of Panjim serves as a glaring example of this ongoing issue.

While the government announces plans for improved connectivity, each new initiative tends to bring along additional complications. The long-promised highway expansions have been carried out in a piecemeal manner, often leading to increased traffic congestion and the need for further infrastructure, such as flyovers, bridges, and dedicated lanes for two-wheelers. This reactive rather than proactive approach illustrates a significant failure in long-term planning.

Nearly two years ago, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a commitment to creating a comprehensive report on road safety after engaging with the public and relevant departments. He promised that a robust plan would be implemented by December 1, 2022. Yet, as Goans continue to witness fatal accidents on a weekly basis, it begs the question: where is this comprehensive plan?

Policing, an essential element of road safety, also leaves much to be desired. When a VIP visits the State, police presence is felt every 200 metres. However, on ordinary days, the police and transport departments seem indifferent to ensuring road safety. While officers can be seen conducting checks at specific locations and night nakabandi, this often appears to be more about meeting revenue targets by issuing challans than genuinely protecting road users. Such practices have not significantly improved road safety.

True road safety cannot be achieved through awareness campaigns alone. It requires a visible police presence at key junctions and areas undergoing roadworks, where enforcement of traffic regulations is crucial. The focus must shift from generating revenue through fines to prioritising public safety. Moreover, corrupt practices must be addressed decisively, and police should strive to be seen as allies rather than adversaries of motorists.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The government, law enforcement agencies, and the public must come together to forge a safer environment on Goa’s roads. This involves not only addressing the physical condition of the roads but also fostering a culture of responsible driving and mutual respect among all road users.

As Goa grapples with the grim realities of road safety, it is imperative for all stakeholders to recognise their roles and responsibilities. The loss of life on the roads cannot continue to be treated as an unfortunate statistic. Every accident is a stark reminder of the need for urgent and comprehensive action. The time for empty promises is over; it is time for tangible results that will safeguard lives and restore faith in the safety of our roads.