MARGAO: Commuters in Margao raised complaints about the non-functioning traffic signal at the Old Market Circle, also known as the Margao-Colva Circle, on Friday. The combination of the malfunctioning signal and limited visibility caused by rain resulted in traffic chaos at this busy junction.
Notably, this junction is one of the busiest, particularly during peak hours, as it connects routes to Fatorda, Margao, Colva, and Panjim.
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Road-users witnessed a traffic gridlock at the Circle, with vehicles converging from all directions. There were also fears of accidents due to sudden braking, with vehicles stacked bumper-to-bumper in long queues on each road connected to the junction.
Moreover, waterlogging on the left side of the Panjim to Margao highway, extending from the District Hospital to the KTC bus stand, forced vehicles to stick to the right portion of the road that remained unaffected by water.
Local residents, including those with shops nearby, called for the presence of traffic personnel at the Circle to monitor traffic flow, at least during peak hours.
During a traffic management committee meeting organised by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), councillors highlighted issues such as private buses halting around the circle, exacerbating congestion, and traffic jams on approach roads, especially around the District Court and Civil Court, which further contributed to the chaotic situation at the circle.
There have been suggestions to revise the timings of the traffic signal, but on Friday, the immediate priority was to restore the functioning of the traffic signal as soon as possible.
