SHYAM ZAMBAULIKAR
MARGAO: Margao's traffic congestion has reached a breaking point due to haphazard parking, lack of designated spaces, and encroachments on roads and footpaths. Still functioning on a traffic management system introduced 20 years ago, the town’s rapid expansion and growing vehicle population have outpaced infrastructure, making mobility increasingly difficult.
Encroachments by handcarts and street vendors remain a major issue. Authorities have attempted crackdowns, but vendors persist, occupying critical road space. Motorists face bottlenecks as customers stop abruptly to buy produce, while pedestrians are forced onto busy roads, risking safety.
Senior citizen Laximan Naik highlighted the growing travel times, frustration, and rising pollution. "Most parking spaces are occupied all day by business owners and employees, leaving little for short-term visitors," he said, leading to double parking and abandoned vehicles worsening congestion.
Advocate Pritam Morais urged a futuristic traffic management approach, integrating AI to optimize flow and safety. He warned that the upcoming court complex at Old Market, expected to be operational in two years, could worsen congestion unless adequate parking is planned. "Authorities must act proactively to prevent gridlock at Margao’s entry point," he said.
Advocate Prasad Naik echoed concerns about outdated traffic plans. He called for more traffic police at key junctions, especially the Four Road Junction near the Power House, which faces persistent gridlock. "Designated parking areas have been discussed for years but remain unimplemented," he said, citing the stalled multi-level parking project near the municipal market. He suggested potential sites near the KTC Bus Stand and Station Road and urged the government to develop vacant land opposite the District Court for parking.
Ongoing infrastructural work exacerbates congestion. Frequent road digging for utilities, often uncoordinated among agencies, leads to prolonged disruptions. Naik stressed the need for a comprehensive roadmap to ensure better synergy between
departments.
Margao Traffic Cell Police Inspector Sanjay Dalvi acknowledged the traffic challenges and stated that the department has urged the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) to implement new strategies. One proposal includes a pay-parking system on busy roads to regulate parking and discourage long-term vehicle
occupancy.
Resident MA Raiker criticized illegal handcarts and fruit vendors in Malbhat, particularly outside the State Bank of India (SBI) branch, for obstructing pedestrian movement and worsening congestion. "Despite complaints, the Traffic Cell has yet to act," he said. Santosh Naik recalled a past Traffic Cell letter emphasizing the need for streamlined parking. He supports a structured pay-parking system to improve organization and prevent accidents.
With Margao’s traffic woes worsening, residents and experts are calling for modern traffic solutions, improved public transport, regulated parking, and better infrastructure. Effective implementation of these measures is crucial to easing congestion and enhancing urban mobility.