Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday said Goa has recorded a decline in road accidents for the first time in years.
“This shows the government has worked on road engineering, rectified dark spots and accident-prone areas, and improved enforcement,” said Godinho, while inaugurating the 14th State Road Safety Week at St Andrew’s Higher Secondary School in Vasco.
The programme on the theme ‘Accident Pains, Safety Gains’ was attended by Transport Director Pravimal Abhishek (IAS), GOACAN Convenor Roland Martins, officials of the transport department, Vasco traffic PI Alvito Rodrigues, Fr Rony Fernandes of St Andrew’s HSS and others.
The minister, however, admitted that rules are often ignored.
“People prefer to pay fines rather than wear helmets or seat belts. A single mistake can cost a life, and road discipline is crucial,” he cautioned.
“We are in the process of installing AI-based cameras across Goa, and this will not take more than eight months. Every act of a motorist will be recorded. This technology will help us prevent accidents and enforce discipline on the roads,” Godinho said, emphasising that stricter enforcement was the only way to reduce road mishaps.
The minister also pointed out that accident compensation was not a substitute for safety.
“We have a compensation scheme of Rs 2 lakh, but is life worth only that much? Road safety norms are simple, yet people continue to violate them, sometimes even by jumping signals. Technology alone will not help unless citizens cooperate and take responsibility,” he said.
Speaking about Goa’s transport system, Godinho announced that more electric buses will be introduced under KTCL while ageing vehicles are gradually phased out.
“We are inducting more EV buses and retiring 15-year-old ones. Over time, even old private buses may have to go. Unfortunately, whenever smart buses are introduced in cities like Panjim, there is resistance. Goa is small, and enforcement officers often get calls asking them not to penalise violators. This is unacceptable—discipline has to come from within each of us,” he remarked.
Godinho advised students to take the lead in creating awareness.
“Holding the 14th Road Safety Week at St Andrew’s is symbolic. I hope students here inspire their families and friends, and that Mormugao Taluka sees fewer accidents because of the awareness created by these young minds,” he said.
The week-long campaign will feature awareness drives, safety demonstrations, and student-led initiatives across the State.
