P0NDA: Claiming that there is faulty design with the GVM Circle, Bandora locals have demanded that the technical expert team of National Highway Authorities inspect the GVM circle and rectify the faults with it to prevent fatal accidents. The locals feel that the size of the circle is too big for the vehicles while the road is narrow.
“There is a technical fault in the circle and until the fault is discovered, the urgent measures could not work and there is a need to reduce the size of circle to prevent fatal accidents,” said Bandora sarpanch Rajesh Naik.
“Negotiating the GVM Circle is a very difficult task for vehicular traffic coming from Panjim and proceeding towards Margao. We can’t always blame the driver of vehicles for fatal accidents. Vehicles from Panjim proceeding towards Margao often lose control while negotiating the GVM circle and either fall on their side or hit vehicles proceeding from Ponda towards the capital city. Two bike riders have lost their lives recently in their attempt to cross the GVM Circle,” the sarpanch added.
He said two days ago on Friday 25 a bike rider Arjun Naik lost his live after attempting to overtake a container truck while negotiating the circle. The rider, who was proceeding towards Mardol from Ponda, dashed his bike against the truck. Rajesh Naik further said that in a similar manner bike riders have lost their lives in the past.
“When fatal accidents occur at same spot it becomes a case to study and calls for rectification, but sadly despite our demand for past several months the authorities failed to bring changes in this circle. Several loaded vehicles also fell on their side while negotiating the circle,” Rajesh added.
There is also another danger at the spot. In case the driver loses control while negotiating then it may pose risk to students standing at entrance of GVM College which is exactly located opposite the circle.
Locals says the positioning of GVM circle at Farmagudi is wrong. It is located to the extreme left for vehicles from Panjim negotiating the circle to move towards Margao and thus need improvement. Despite several accidents in past wherein vehicles losing control either fell on their side or have claimed life of bike riders coming from Ponda towards the circle.
“It’s now more than two years we are demanding officials to inspect and bring improvement at this circle. I feel ashamed that nobody took interest into our demand. However, as against this, the NH officials want to divert the traffic proceeding to Chirputem and KTC Bus stand via this GVM circle. If we follow their orders then the chances are that it would invite several fatal mishaps at this circle as vehicles are continuously plying from Panjim towards Margao,” Rajesh said.
He said after the inauguration of Curti-Khandepar flyover the way towards KTC Bus stand near Safa Masjid is closed and vehicles are directed to proceed to the dangerous roundabout at GVM circle to arrive at KTC Bus Stand which is risky.
