PANJIM: Panjim’s first Smart City road was pompously inaugurated on February 9, 2023 froma Bal Bhavan to Caculo Mall in St Inez. However the road stretch has not been completed towards the Caculo Mall since the expansion of the road is still underway. The deep bump and poorly levelled road ends onto the incomplete road at the Caculo Mall junction, creating nightmare for vehicle users.
Commuters are therefore facing a rough ride as the end stretch of the ‘smart’ concrete road since the road is not levelled. This not only adds to the rising pollution level but also takes a toll on driver’s health – in many cases leading to severe back ailments.
The poorly leveled portion of the road forces drivers to slow down, disrupting the flow of traffic and can also lead to accidents due to sudden braking.
City businessman and former President of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Manoj Caculo said, “Though the Smart Road has been completed, they have left an almost one foot jump. There is no ramp constructed by the contractor. Also there are deep trenches and cables on the sides. They need to complete the other roads at the junction and finish the job. The other roads at the junction have not been completed and there is total confusion there. It is a total mess. The other roads have to be completed.”
At night, when the street lights are dysfunctional, navigating this section becomes even more challenging and hazardous. The absence of illumination exacerbates the discomfort turning what should have been a smooth ride into a bone rattling ordeal.
Voicing their anger vehicle users have expressed their anger towards the IPCDL for failing to level the road and for leaving the area in the dark. Failure to maintain basic infrastructure has forced commuters with not only unnecessary inconvenience but safety concerns.
