VERLON MEDEIRA
MARGAO: Margao, the commercial capital of the State, faces a severe traffic problem with its roads being busy continuously and it is truly a nightmare to manoeuvre through them during the peak hours.
Inappropriate parking and even double parking is one of the main causes of traffic congestion in Margao. For example many vehicles are parked behind vehicles already parked in the parking slots along the Martires Dias road near Borkar super market.
With vehicles double parked, the road width is reduced to such an extent that the four wheelers cannot move ahead and this causes unwanted traffic jams that could have been easily avoided. Besides heavy vehicles including buses stop at inappropriate places causes more mess.
“Being the commercial capital is the main problem with Margao. At the municipal garden for example, where we stop traffic for 30 seconds to allow pedestrians to cross, there is heavy accumulation of traffic,” said Mohan Gaude Margao Traffic Cell Inspector.
He was of the opinion that proper planning could to a great extent ease the traffic congestion in Margao and suggested that a flyover at the Municipal garden across the road would be one great solution.
“Making some roads strictly one way and introduction of signal system especially at the Municipal Square is needed,” said Shubam Talak, resident of Margao who also suggested strict fining for reckless parking.
“Having traffic police direct traffic all times would rid the image of Margao having crowded roads and people being in a hurry,” said Jessica Colaco. She gave the example of Delhi where with proper planning like constructing bridges and flyovers, the traffic congestion has been addressed.
“Parking is the main problem. As there is no place to park, there is reckless parking, which leads to traffic jams. I feel vehicles parked haphazardly should be either penalised or towed,” said Glynis Medeira.
