MARGAO: The absence of an effective traffic management plan and timely measures by the authorities to regulate the flow of vehicles has led to an escalating traffic congestion issue outside Margao railway station, on the Aquem side.
Given the significant daily footfall at the railway station, the congestion issue has transformed into a pressing concern during peak hours.
Notably, the road adjacent to the railway station has fallen victim to multiple illegal stalls and fruit vendors that have encroached upon the space. Surprisingly, municipal authorities have remained silent in response to this issue.
Numerous vendors, primarily those selling fruits without valid municipal licenses, have established their businesses along the Margao railway station road. In some cases, these vendors have encroached upon the main road, impeding the movement of both pedestrians and vehicles.
While the railway authorities are in the process of renovating and expanding the station premises to accommodate the increasing number of passengers, the roads adjacent to the Aquem entrance are crammed with vehicles during the arrival of trains, said Maria Fernandes, a resident of Fatorda.
During peak hours, when major trains arrive, the roads become choked with vehicles carrying passengers to and from the station. This congestion is worst on the Aquem side of Margao railway station, where rickshaws, light vehicles, and motorcycle riders gather to pick up passengers. Two wheelers are parked on both sides of the road, and even on pavements. In the midst of this, vendors conduct their business, encroaching upon the road and intensifying the congestion.
Compounding the problem, on one side of the railway station road leading from Aquem to Margao, a cluster of stalls has appeared. These stalls, mostly illegal, have not faced any action from the Margao municipality.
No police presence is observed in the area during peak hours to manage traffic or monitor antisocial activities. This absence has led to incidents such as thefts from passengers arriving or departing during late-night train schedules. A few months ago, a gang of individuals damaged a police jeep when questioned by officers during the midnight hours.
A regular passenger said that after 5 pm, accessing the station becomes challenging due to the congestion at the entrance. Additionally, haphazard parking contributes to the congestion as travellers are reluctant to park far from the station.
