PANAJI
The irony could not be starker. Even as Goa debates reckless driving, fatal accidents and policing blitzes on highways and tourist belts, the very unit meant to enforce road discipline is almost running on empty.
The Traffic Police unit — already known to have one of the most ageing workforces — is now staring at a wave of retirements over the next six months.
Moreover, the government’s decision restricting the power to issue challans only to Police Inspectors (PIs) and Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) has effectively left the department without nearly 60 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) who once formed its operational backbone. No replacements have reportedly been sanctioned.
A senior officer told The Goan that as Goa heads into peak tourist season, when the State’s population effectively doubles and the coastal belt clogs, enforcement will be a daily high-wire act.
“The department was told that since ASIs are not authorised to book violations, there is no need to replace them. Yet, we are left to control junctions, highways and internal roads, while also managing paperwork and operations with minimum staff,” the officer said, requesting anonymity.
He further stated that in the next six months, several more personnel will retire and there is no plan to replenish the strength. “We are going to be dangerously short,” he said.
While the shortage is not new, as the unit usually relies on local police stations, home guards and wardens for additional support, the demands on it have only intensified with drunken driving checks that now run through most weekends, routine enforcement drives and peak-season traffic pressure.
“Minors on vehicles, dangerous riding and overspeeding have surged. Tourist-heavy zones like Calangute, Anjuna and Baga require round-the-clock presence. We also conduct special drives in addition to routine and weekend checks,” the officer added.
Where the force is falling short
While the sanctioned strength of the Goa Traffic Police is 1,013 personnel, the present strength is 771. The shortfall is across cadres -- out of the sanctioned 81 PSIs, only 36 are in position; 96 sanctioned ASIs have dropped to 72. At the constabulary level, 585 posts are sanctioned but only 377 are filled. On the flip side, the present strength of head constables are above the sanctioned strength – 270 (present) and 235 (sanctioned).
The gaps are visible across major cells. Panaji Traffic Cell, sanctioned for 111 personnel, is staffed with 81. The Calangute tourist belt works with 49 personnel against a sanctioned 73, while Vasco TC holds 48 instead of 74. Margao TC functions with 50 against 79. Only Bicholim shows the reverse trend — 101 staff against a sanctioned 74.
“We are left balancing traffic enforcement with public order duties, VIP movement, events and a surge of unregulated tourist activity. Every weekend is like a festival crowd. Yet, we are still operating,” the officer said.
