PANJIM: The officials of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) has assured residents of Ribandar that it would issue vehicle passes to them and also to start KTC buses in Ribandar during the closure of the roads from March 10, to undertake last phase of the Smart City works.
This was decided during the meeting held by IPSCDL managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Sanjit Rodrigues along with Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor Rohit Monserrate and other officials. They deliberated on finalising a comprehensive plan to regulate vehicular movement to mitigate travel disruptions and ensure safety during the road closures and execution of Smart City works.
Transportation measures discussed included providing bus services wherein KTCL will provide bus transport services from Divja circle to Ajuda Church junction and back to alleviate travel disruptions. Wherever required KTCL will provide additional services during peak hours. Details of school bus arrangements will be worked out in consultation with CCP councillors Silvester Fernandes and Sandra Da Cunha from Ribandar.
As far as ferry services are concerned, consultations with the Captain of Ports and River Navigation Department (RND) arrived at a decision to keep the Chorao ferry operational during the road closure period, while the Divar-Sao Pedro ferry will be diverted to Old Goa from March 10 to April 30, 2024. The Sao Pedro ferry services will however be suspended from March 10 until further notice.
To facilitate private motor vehicular movement of residents of Ribandar, vehicle passes will be distributed through CCP councillors of Ribandar. Provisions for emergency vehicles like ambulances will be made available round-the-clock, it was informed.
Contractors overseeing the project works have been instructed to prioritise safety precautions, including robust barricading, clear signage and sufficient lighting at all work sites.
These measures aim to minimise risks and ensure a safe environment for workers, commuters and smooth traffic flow, according to Rodrigues.
The road closure from Basilica of Bom Jesus (Old Goa) junction along the causeway up to Divja circle (Panaji) will come into effect from March 10 to April 30. Traffic will be diverted towards NH 748 (Kadamba Bypass Road), with specific closures and diversion arrangements in place for different phases of the project.
