Sources informed that the premise, once developed will accommodate at least 1,500 vehicles, on rotation while also marked seven parking bays including one for differently-abled have been identified around Old Goa.
“Internal roads are being constructed to give proper access to drive till the parking spots. Areas will be earmarked for two-wheelers and four-wheelers parking,” an officer disclosed.
The huge property, whose custodian is the North Goa Collectorate, has earlier been used for parking during the International Film Festival of India and St Francis Xavier’s feast on December 3. But, this year it is being developed to cater to several thousand vehicles flowing in and out of Old Goa for the exposition.
Bakhiya, who was the member of an underworld gangster-cum-gold smuggler, was notorious in the 1970s and 1980s when he and another smuggler Haji Mastan would hide gold ornaments in electronic equipment. Soon after his arrest, the government has seized his property and frozen bank accounts.
A detailed traffic plan will soon be uploaded on the government website, once it is finalised, the officer said.
As per the plan so far, all vehicles will be stopped near handicrafts emporium on the junction while the Ponda bound vehicles will be asked to take the by-pass road.
The road will however be open for pedestrians.
Moreover, the government-appointed committee is expected to approach the tourism department requesting to halt all tourist-bound vehicles near Panjim jetty instead of parking at Old Goa. The pilgrims can then board the ferry to reach Old Goa, a scheme which will also encourage sightseeing. Similarly, the Diwar residents will be requested to board the first ferry at Old Goa to avoid inconvenience as there would be restrictions on movements of vehicles.
