The traffic signal at Dabolim Vales junction has been malfunctioning for over a month and this has led to accidents because both the red and green signals turn on at the same time. The same occurs at Navelim bypass road (O Heraldo, June 21, 2024).
The mix-up of signals confuses vehicle users as some of them halt for the red to turn green while the others drive away once they notice the green light. Reportedly, the traffic signal at Vales Junction is being looked after by a private company under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the maintenance has not been carried out. It is weird as to how such a crucial issue of upkeep of a traffic signal is handled by a private company. Why will they bother to do it or if the company shuts shop, then what would happen? Perhaps there are other places in Goa where the same might be happening.
It is the duty of the traffic department to check and maintain the signals rather than by a private body under its CSR. The government may obtain traffic signals under CSR but the responsibility should not be left to the private company. Otherwise, it would be like a person gifting us a car and asking him/her to maintain it on our behalf.
