TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Traffic police have made special traffic diversion plan during the Carnival parade in Panjim on Saturday, which will be in force till the conclusion of the parade late evening.
The traffic coming into Panjim city will be diverted at Clock tower/Pacific near Ambedkar garden tri-junction to proceed via old Patto Bridge – Joao Castro Road – Jose Falcao Road and Church Square to reach their respective destinations, according to a press statement.
Vehicles from new Mandovi bridge and Bambolim entering the city will not be allowed to enter via Divja Circle but instead via KTC bus stand side via clock tower/Pacific tri-junction – old Patto Bridge. Similarly, vehicles coming from Old Goa will be diverted at Ribandar Patto ‘T’ Point to proceed via Chimbel – Chichwada Junction – Merces Circle.
Once the float parade begins, no route buses will be allowed to ply on either direction till the float parade is over.
A separate arrangement has been made for the outgoing traffic as vehicles from Miramar side will have to take right turn from Campal parade grounds to proceed via Fire Brigade Junction – St. Inez Junction – Caculo Island – M.G. Road/18th June Road – Hindu Pharmacy road – Casa International – Match Corner – Behind Secretariat – New Patto Bridge (presently used for incoming) – Divja Circle – KTC.
Traffic approaching from Rua-de-Ourem, on reaching near Hotel Sona will not be allowed to take right turn. This traffic will be diverted to take left turn and then right turn near Hotel Vihar and exit via new Patto Bridge.
In view of ban of entry of vehicles into the city, no heavy/commercial vehicles are allowed to enter from 7am to 9pm. Similarly, heavy and other commercial vehicles including all Tourist Buses coming from Dona Paula will not be allowed beyond Miramar Circle after 2pm.
Meanwhile, temporary watch towers have been erected at various points along the float parade stretch to keep a watch on activities and revelers. Hundreds of armed policemen will also be deployed.
A police officer said that since scanning every person taking part in the festival will not possible, plain clothed policemen would be posted in the crowd as a precautionary measure.
