MARGAO: The bustling Margao market is experiencing a surge in shoppers gearing up for the Christmas festival, creating a rush in the area and resulting in major traffic congestion.
Haphazard parking and traffic snarls in the commercial hub of Margao are inconveniencing both residents and visitors. The lack of proper traffic management during this festive shopping season has resulted in frustration among citizens, who are grappling with congested streets, lack of parking spaces and minor accidents and disputes on the streets. As citizens express their frustration, it highlights the importance of proactive measures and planning to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable shopping experience during festive periods.
The Traffic Cell, Margao, has asked for additional force in order to control traffic flow and avoid congestion. Speaking to O Heraldo, Cavelossim local Dixon Vaz said that the traffic situation Margao town has gone from bad to worse. “No traffic police and officials of the Margao Municipality are seen on the ground, enforcing measures to control the traffic in the town. People are forced to park their vehicles far away and walk to the market for shopping.
Both sides of the road are filled with parked vehicles, leaving no place for pedestrians to move,” he complained. He further stated that the situation calls for urgent attention, as people from across Salcete
taluka visit the market in Margao on a regular basis, and more so during the festival season. Vinod Shirodkar, President of New Market Traders Association also expressed anger over the issue of traffic congestion and blamed the authorities for the lack of planning and law enforcement to control the traffic. “Several building owners have converted their parking lots into shops resulting in an additional parking burden
on the town. Traffic congestion has also affected our business as people avoid entering the town due to lack of parking facilities,” he complained.
Admitting that there are major issues with traffic management within and around Margao town, Sanjay Dalvi, Police Inspector, Traffic Cell-Margao informed O Heraldo that his office has already brought this issue to the notice of the authorities. “Traffic police personnel from Ponda and Canacona have been asked to lend a hand in Margao. A scheme has been prepared to deal with the present traffic congestion in Margao and on the roads leading into the town,” he stated.
