PANAJI
Even as the State government has postponed, for the third time, the launch of the first phase of its AI-powered traffic enforcement cameras at 26 junctions across Goa, the Village Panchayat of Merces has raised serious concerns about one of those very locations.
The panchayat has warned that the Merces junction is facing severe traffic congestion, road safety risks and poorly timed traffic signals. It has urged the Traffic Police to intervene immediately, carry out a joint inspection and take corrective measures before “any serious accident or public unrest occurs”.
PANCHAYAT RAISES CONCERNS
The representation, unanimously approved by the Merces panchayat and forwarded to the Superintendent of Police (Traffic), points to basic traffic management issues at a junction that is expected to come under AI-based monitoring once the delayed project is launched. The junction serves as an important link connecting nearly 10 highways, roads and service lanes.
In his forwarding letter, Merces Sarpanch Sushant Govekar said the representation submitted by resident Tanoj Adwalpalkar was placed before the panchayat meeting and approved through a resolution, seeking early action from the Traffic Police.
“I... most respectfully submit this representation regarding the severe traffic congestion, road safety hazards, and improper traffic signal timing at the highly important Merces Junction,” the representation states.
SIGNAL TIMING UNDER SCANNER
According to the representation, signal timings at the junction are too short for vehicles coming from certain directions, with the green light lasting only about 30 seconds. This has reportedly led to long queues, heavy congestion during peak hours and delays for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
The panchayat has called for a scientific review of the traffic management system instead of routine maintenance. It has demanded recalibration of signal timings based on actual traffic flow, a detailed traffic volume study, an accident analysis, installation of road safety reflectors and pedestrian safety measures, and other scientific traffic management solutions.
DEMAND OF TRANSPARENCY
The representation also seeks details of public spending on the traffic signal system at the junction, including the total cost, date-wise expenditure, contractor details, maintenance expenses and any proposals for future upgrades.
WARNING OF AGITATION
The letter ends with a strong warning, stating that residents and commuters are facing daily hardship and may be forced to launch a democratic agitation if timely action is not taken. It urges the authorities to act immediately to prevent any serious accident or public unrest.
