Team Herald
VASCO: Taking note of Herald’s article on speeding bauxite trucks, Vasco Traffic Cell in-charge PI Sudesh Narvekar has assured to immediately resolve the issue as well as the issue of illegal parking of heavy vehicles near Chicalim Junction during ‘no entry’ hours, which was leading to traffic congestion.On Sunday, Herald reported on how bauxite-loaded trucks were speeding to Mormugao Port from the NH-17 B via Chicalim, and posing a danger to motorists and pedestrians from Dabolim and Chicalim. Aggrieved Dabolim locals had threatened to block the NH-17 B if the authorities did not resolve the issue within seven days.
“The transportation of bauxite to MPT from Cuncolim to Mormugao port via Margao-Verna has been going on for the last several months and we were continuously monitoring and regulating such heavy vehicle traffic. It was stopped for the monsoons and was restarted now. As the locals have complained about speeding trucks and traffic congestion at Chicalim due to heavy vehicle parking, we have decided to stop bauxite trucks and other heavy vehicles near Zuari Gate during no-entry hours to avoid congestion at Chicalim,” said Narvekar.
He added, “Also, as there is a need to educate these heavy vehicles drivers about responsible driving, a decision has been taken to conduct a special briefing for the drivers on traffic rules and regulations and defensive driving regularly. This will be done during no-entry hours, when these vehicles will be stopped near Zuari Gate.”
On the strict implementation of compulsory checks on the speed of trucks plying in Dabolim and Chicalim, Narvekar said, “Our traffic policemen have been briefed to continuously monitor the speed of heavy vehicles and issue fines for any violations. We have also decided to request deployment of an interceptor vehicle to ensure that truck drivers do not exceed the speed limit of 50 kmph on the NH-17 B and other roads with speed limits.”
Meanwhile, the residents of Dabolim and Chicalim welcomed traffic police’s decision to regulate the speed of bauxite-loaded trucks. They said that they would keep an eye on the movement of heavy vehicle, and if the situation does not improve, they will resume their protest until the issue is resolved.
