The accident-prone Mangueshi cross junction on the Panjim-Ponda National Highway has become a virtual death trap for motorists and tourist vehicles, with frequent crashes and persistent confusion over right of way. Located on a slope, the junction has witnessed several serious accidents over the years, including fatal ones. Just a few days ago, a collision between a bus and a milk tempo left 11 people injured, including both drivers.
Naresh Naik of Priol said that until permanent measures such as an underpass are implemented, an orange light traffic signal should be installed to force vehicles to slow down and pass through the junction safely.
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Despite the presence of a four-lane highway running parallel to the old road, the layout of the junction continues to endanger vehicles coming from Panjim that suddenly cut across to head towards Mangueshi. Vehicles from Ponda travel at high speed along the straight stretch, while those from Panjim often cross the junction without waiting, leading to frequent collisions.
As a National Highway, vehicles tend to speed over the rumble strips, often without slowing down, resulting in crashes. Locals have repeatedly demanded safety measures for years, and even panchayat resolutions have been passed, but the situation remains unchanged.
Mangueshi, one of Goa’s major tourist and pilgrimage destinations, attracts thousands of devotees daily to the famed Manguesh Temple, located about 200 metres from the junction. The lack of clarity at the intersection—between vehicles crossing from Panjim towards Mangueshi and those heading straight towards Panjim from Ponda—continues to put lives at risk.
