Margao witnessed massive traffic congestion, as thousands of residents poured into the city’s commercial hubs for Diwali shopping. Long queues of vehicles were seen along key junctions and market roads, causing gridlocks that lasted for several hours and testing the patience of commuters and shopkeepers alike. Roads leading to the New Market, Old Market, and areas around Grace Church and Comunidade Circle were choked with vehicles. The festive rush brought traffic to a crawl, with two-wheelers, cars, and rickshaws jostling for space. Many vehicles were seen parked haphazardly, further worsening the sit uation. “It took me nearly 40 minutes to get from the railway crossing to the municipal market — a stretch that usually takes 10 minutes,” said Maria Fernandes, a resident of Aquem. “The roads were completely jammed, and people were walking in be tween cars carrying shop ping bags and sweets.” Traffic police deployed additional personnel at major intersections in an attempt to ease movement, but congestion continued throughout the afternoon and evening. “Our teams are working in shifts to manage the rush. We ap peal to citizens to avoid un necessary parking on busy stretches and to cooperate with the traffic staff,” said a senior traffic official. Shopkeepers, mean while, reported brisk business despite the cha os. “It’s the busiest day of the year. Customers are shopping for decorations, clothes, sweets, and lights — but the traffic jams are discouraging some fami lies from staying longer,” said Suresh Naik, who runs a shop near the municipal market. Pedestrians too strug gled to navigate the crowd ed streets. “People are walking on the roads be cause there’s no space on the footpaths. It’s risky, es pecially for children,” said commuter Jose Fernandes. Residents have urged the Margao Municipal Council and traffic au thorities to improve traffic management during major festivals by designating temporary parking spaces and restricting roadside vending in congested are as. “This happens every year during Diwali and Christmas. We need bet ter planning and proper coordination between the police and the municipal ity,” said local Joseph Fer nandes. With the festival of lights peaking this week, officials expect traffic pressure to continue, particularly in the evenings. Authorities have advised citizens to use public transport and plan their shopping during non peak hours to avoid getting stuck in the festive rush.
Margao gridlocked as Diwali shoppers flood markets, causing massive traffic jams
