Thousands of commuters on the old Zuari Bridge were stuck in traffic for over five hours on boxing day. The nightmare traffic jam occurred on both sides of the old Zuari Bridge, while the govt had allowed others to take selfies on the new un-inaugurated Zuari Bridge. The New Zuari Bridge is awaiting a VIP to inaugurate the bridge, even as people are suffering and have paid for the bridge. Some blamed the haphazard parking of vehicles on those who sent to click selfies on the new bridge.
Commuters heading to Vasco or Margao from Panjim and those returning to Panjim were stuck in traffic at the old Zuari Bridge for over 5 hours. Buses, taxis, ambulances and private cars were blocked on both sides of the old Zuari Bridge. KTC shuttles too were stuck on either side of the bridge. The traffic congestion started early Monday evening and grew as the evening progressed. Many people missed the flights from Dabolim airport.
People complained bitterly that the New Zuari Bridge was completed by was not inaugurated for the Christmas weekend. The bridge could be opened for vehicles and inaugurated later, many commuters opined. Agassaim police said the four lanes at Bambolim, narrow down to two lanes at Goa Velha and one lane at the Old Zuari. They said there is a large inflow of tourists which increases traffic congestion. Opening the new Zuari bridge is the only solution, Agassaim police said. Agassaim Police however denied that the haphazard parking of vehicles of those who went to take selfies on the new Zuari bridge was responsible for the traffic jam.