Team Herald
CALANGUTE: Residents of Calangute are urging the local panchayat to install traffic signals at the busy Bhodkovodd junction on the Calangute-Mapusa road, citing a series of accidents attributed to blind turns near the spot.
In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion, the Calangute panchayat widened the road a couple of years ago, creating a traffic island and implementing a diversion for vehicles traveling from Calangute Church to Porbawaddo. Additionally, a small stretch of the road coming from Arpora-Nagoa was designated as one-way.
However, residents report that many tourists disregard the left turn diversion, continuing straight on the one-way stretch and colliding with oncoming traffic. Visibility is further compromised by a small temple located within the traffic island. However, stakeholders have opposed any potential relocation of the temple.
Local residents believe that the installation of traffic signals at the junction would significantly reduce accidents and save lives. In response to these concerns, members of the Calangute panchayat have reached out to the traffic cell to assess the feasibility of installing traffic signals, and the matter is currently under consideration.
The junction serves as a critical route for a large volume of vehicles heading to popular destinations such as Baga, Arpora, Anjuna, Mapusa, and Mopa Airport.