Team Herald
MARGAO: Citizens from all walks of life, particularly those with deep connections to Margao, have raised concerns over the city’s future as Goa’s commercial hub.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Many believe that Margao may soon lose its long-standing title as the state’s ‘commercial hub’ due to a number of unresolved issues that continue to affect residents and business owners alike.
One of the major issues highlighted by locals, including business operators, is the lack of adequate parking facilities. The problem has been exacerbated by rampant encroachments on footpaths and the dominance of rent-a-bike operators, who occupy parking spaces, further complicating an already difficult situation.
Vinod Shirodkar, a local trader, stressed that the absence of parking is a significant deterrent for people who would otherwise visit Margao for shopping, especially during the busy Christmas season.
“The chaos around parking during Christmas shopping is a clear example of how the city is struggling,” Shirodkar explained.
He also pointed to the encroachment of footpaths, making it increasingly difficult for pedestrians to move freely. “If these issues are not addressed, Margao will lose its tag as the commercial hub of Goa in the coming years,” he warned. However, Shirodkar remains hopeful that the proposed hydraulic parking project could offer a solution to the parking crisis.
Margao Municipal Councillor Mahesh Amonkar shared similar concerns, particularly regarding the rent-a-bike business.
“These businesses are occupying parking spaces meant for other vehicles, and the authorities must take action,” Amonkar insisted, as he also noted that the presence of vendors operating on footpaths has had a negative impact on businesses in the market area.
“If these issues are not dealt with, they will continue to hamper the city’s commercial activity,” Amonkar added.
The expansion of services in neighboring villages has also contributed to the decline in Margao’s commercial dominance. Milagres Fernandes, a local resident, pointed out that many essential commodities are now readily available in surrounding villages, which has decreased the need for people to come to Margao for shopping.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a significant number of businesses move out of Margao due to the lack of facilities like parking,” Fernandes said. He did, however, acknowledge that Margao’s markets continue to attract a large number of people despite these challenges.
In response to these concerns, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat assured that the city’s status as a commercial hub remains secure.
“Margao has been known for its trade activities for decades, contributing significantly to the state’s revenue. We are committed to addressing the challenges the city is facing, including improving parking facilities,” Kamat said.
He also emphasized that the decentralisation of business to nearby areas is not necessarily a bad thing, but that efforts are being made to streamline the city’s infrastructure.
