MARGAO: As traffic congestion becomes a daily ordeal in Salcete, particularly in the busy town areas of Margao, Navelim, and Fatorda, residents are urging the Margao Traffic Cell to implement effective measures to alleviate the situation. Citizens are increasingly frustrated with the daily traffic jams, resulting in wastage of hundreds of litres of fuel as vehicles idle in the congestion.
Social worker Ulhas Kerker called on the Margao Traffic Cell to develop a comprehensive traffic management plan, considering the increasing number of registered vehicles. “Areas like Borda, Aquem, the stretch around old Chowgule College, Multipurpose High School, and Vidyanagar witness daily traffic jams,” said Kerker, adding that the Home Guard and lone cop deputed there are incapable of managing the chaos.
He suggested installing signals and deploying more police personnel for better traffic management.
Kerker also called for strict action against overcrowded private buses, highlighting the risks to passengers’ lives.
During the evening rush hour, when thousands of motorists are heading home, they find themselves competing for space on the roads with herds of buffalo, in the absence of traffic policemen and working signals.
Sandeep Pedneker, a senior citizen, echoed the sentiment, and urged the Traffic Cell to deploy more personnel to tackle the growing congestion, expressing concern that the issue is not receiving the attention it deserves.
“What is surprising is tha despite signboards indicating ‘No Entry’ for heavy vehicles installed at various places, such vehicles can be seen brazenly moving around the town,” he said wondering why no action is taken against such defiant drivers. Over the past year, despite a significant increase in the number of vehicles, no substantial changes have been made to address traffic management in Margao and Fatorda.
Alternate routes, intended to bypass congestion in Margao and Fatorda, also face challenges as they too become congested.
