PANJIM: A debate on traffic congestion and increasing road accidents reveals the need for effective action plan and proper coordination between the Goa Traffic Police, Transport Department, PWD and local self-governments for smooth and free flow of traffic in the State.
A debate on “Traffic Jams in Goa” hosted by Juino de Souza discussed ‘Why the government is not serious in implementing an effective action plan for smooth control of traffic in Goa’ and ‘Why the road contractor appointed for construction of new Zuari Bridge has been allowed to usurp a large portions of road for storing construction material, earth moving machinery, cranes, etc resulting in narrowing of the motorable road causing obstruction to motorists and frequent traffic jams.
The panel comprising DySP (Traffic) Salim Sheikh, Assistant Director of Transport (Enforcement) Jack D’Souza and Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) Deputy Mayor Vasant Aghshikar discussed why the cities of Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and Vasco are facing increasing traffic congestion, haphazard parking, rising road accidents, no lane discipline, drunken driving, over speeding, traffic police lacking skills and need for coordination between the Traffic Police, transport Department, PWD and local self-governments.
DySP Sheikh said that the traffic police have taken remedial measures by deploying additional 30 policemen on either of the Zuari Bridge to ensure smooth flow of traffic while, two cranes have also been stationed to remove vehicles involved in accidents and in the event of breakdown of vehicles.
DySP Sheikh further said that contractors are always told to provide four-lane road while undertaking major project works and added that the Zuari Bridge contractor is not allowed to carry out work during peak time.
DySP Sheikh pointed out that nearly 4,500 people were working in six off-shore casino boats, five cruise vessels and most of them were parking their vehicles in the city in addition to others causing traffic congestion.
He also ruled that transfer of staff after every three years was affecting quality of traffic but hoped to bring more trained traffic policemen.
D’Souza said that the Transport Department suspended as many as 13,475 motor driving licences during last four years for violating various offences such as over speeding, drunken driving and using mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
A total of 977 licences were suspended in 2017; 4,227 licences suspended in 2018; 4,544 in 2019 and 3,727 in 2020. Aghshikar said that introduction of electric buses and construction of 18-km Smart Footpath in the capital city would reduce traffic congestion to a great extent. The debate will be streamed on HCN channel shortly.
