When it comes to regulating traffic, Porvorim seems to be ahead of the learning curve and if the MLA has his way, the section of NH17 that falls within this area could become the first in the State to have synchronised signal lights at key junctions. For Porvorim, it all began a few years back when a decision was taken to install signal lights at one of the busiest circles adjacent to O Coqueiro. The signal lights brought instant relief and vehicle users literally embraced the
idea with both arms. Even without the presence of police personnel compliance is over 80 per cent. The result: traffic movement is smooth baring a few hiccups which have more to do
with road engineering than traffic regulation. Subsequent to
this, signal lights were installed at the junction near Holy Family
Church, on account of which the stress experienced by vehicle
owners at this place is now a thing of the past. Here too,
compliance is very high simply because everyone is convinced
that signal lights are a blessing and
not a curse.
For Porvorim, the task is not yet
over. The junction near ACDIL
school is in desperate need of signal
lights. Since traffic along the
highway to and from Panaji is voluminous,
vehicles crossing the highway
from inner roads are forced to
inch forward. This system of literally
pushing oneself on to the road
and across is stressful and installation
of traffic signals at these two
spots would help relieve pressure
and infuse order into traffic movement.
It is also heartening to learn
that there are plans to install CCTV cameras to keep a check on
offenders and synchronisation of signal lights so that a vehicle
travelling at 35 to 40 km would automatically encounter green
lights all through.
If the signal system is beginning to be accepted by vehicle
owners it is because it was introduced gradually, which is
the right way of doing things in a country like India because
it takes time for motorists to shift from instinctive driving to
a rule-based traffic management system. The moot question
is, why are other places in Goa lagging behind. Divja circle at
the entrance of Panaji is desperately crying out for such a system,
but the traffic department and the Corporation of the City
of Panaji appear to be sleeping on the job. Traffic movement
around this circle and most circles in Goa is quite chaotic with
traffic halting around the circle instead of the exit points. The
Colva Circle in Margao is another major junction which could
do with a signaling system. On the other hand signals near the
municipal building are a great help in regulating traffic flow
within the city.
Use of signal lights to regulate traffic at junctions is a universally
accepted system. Most Indian cities use signal lights,
but Goa, one supposes, is ‘ajeeb’. In Panaji for instance, traffic
is regulated through a system of one ways which have proved
to be very successful. However, DB road which is the main artery
for traffic entering and exiting the city needs a few signal
lights and the CCP would do well to introduce the same, preferably
with timers to facilitate smooth crossings. It might seem
pretentious, but Panaji and Margao have something to learn
from Porvorim.
