A long queue formed outside the Transport Department office in Porvorim as angry citizens lined up to contest traffic challans they claim resulted from a malfunctioning signal near the Honda showroom circle.
Locals allege the traffic light has been erratic for days—frequently switching unpredictably between red and green, or getting stuck on one color—leading to confusion among motorists. As a result, many drivers unknowingly crossed during unclear signal phases and were later fined for violations.
Residents insist the errors were unintentional and blame the technical fault, not reckless driving. Several citizens expressed frustration that despite lodging multiple complaints, authorities failed to fix the issue in time. “We’re being fined for something that wasn’t our fault,” said one Porvorim local waiting to appeal his challan.
The incident has sparked widespread public outrage, with demands for the Transport Department and traffic police to review all related challans, waive unjust fines, and urgently repair the faulty signal.
The episode underscores the critical need for regular maintenance of traffic infrastructure and a more transparent, citizen-friendly grievance redressal process in cases where technical faults lead to mass penalties.