Big establishments in town and the consequential lack of parking spaces for customers has been a common site in Margao. Several resolutions have been taken in the past to solve the issue but the problem has just not gone.

The clothing mall below Cine Vishant has always been a problem area for Aquem. However, the problems for Aquemkaars have just doubled this festive season as a shopping mall in the Aquem area has left the entire traffic situation of the areas encompassing Aquem Alto to Power House circle into doldrums. The mall reportedly has no enough parking space for the size it is meant to cater.

The Vishal Megamart, which began operation in Aquem recently saw thousands of people walking in to the mall to avail discounts.

The Shadow Council for Margao strongly criticised the authorities for granting permission to the mart.

One of the representatives of the Vishal Megamart in Aquem said the rush has reduced now and discipline of traffic flow and parking has been achieved. “There were Diwali offers for which people from all South and around flocked to the mall and caused some issues. However, we have got the trade licence here only after showing enough parking which has been agreed by the authorities,” he said.

The traffic chaos and congestion at Aquem reflects on the poor foresight and planning of the city, said sources.

Savio Coutinho, SCM Convenor stated that on account of very poor parking facility at the mart, visitors are parking their vehicles on internal roads, thereby causing hardships to residents.

Meanwhile the DSP Prabodh Shirvaikar has said he has posted a police on the street in front of the mall to avoid traffic problems.

TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai was unhappy with the MMC for having allowed such a big project to percolate and get clearance for operations. “The MMC has faltered by allowing the operations of the mall. I too have been told that it is causing lot of problems for traffic” said Vijai.