ANIL SHANKHWALKAR
SALIGAO
Additional traffic signals and other security measures are being put in place along the busy stretch of the highway at Porvorim, to regulate traffic along the busy route.
While there has been substantial improvement in vehicular traffic after installation of traffic signals at O’Coqueiro and at Holy Family Church at Porvorim, local MLA Rohan Khaunte and traffic authorities have admitted that more needs to be done to improve traffic system in the area.
At a recent public grievance meeting at Sunandabai Bandodkar High School at Salai, residents of Salvador-do-Mundo had complained that kiosks along the edge of the Kadamba road had obstructed smooth movement of traffic.
They had also complained that traffic signals have been installed at a greater height, making it difficult for motorists to view the signals. They also pointed out that vehicles are often seen parked by the roadside opposite Holy Family Church.
When contacted, Calangute Traffic Cell Police Inspector Salim Sheikh said the Kadamba road has become very narrow, as several kiosks are set up along the road. “This road needs to be widened and the traffic signal need minor alignment,” he said.
“If motorists and scooterists follow traffic rules properly and drive patiently, there won’t be any traffic problem. The traffic police have been deployed at this signal to monitor the traffic,” said PI Sheikh.
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte said in addition to the two traffic signals, three more traffic signals near Teen building at the entrance of Housing Board, District Institute of Education and Training junction and at the Alto-Porvorim Bazaar have been proposed.
“Besides, a demand stop near Ashwin Garage will be installed for pedestrian crossing,” he said.
“The traffic signal near Teen building has already been installed. CCTV cameras will be installed at all traffic signals and a median of 90 cm height from O’Coqueiro junction to Damian de Goa will be put for better traffic management,” Khaunte informed.
“There is also a proposal to synchronise all traffic signals in such a way that vehicles travelling at an approximate speed of 35 to 40 kmph will generally catch green traffic signals at successive intersections,” said Khaunte.
“As the road experiences a heavier flow of traffic towards Panjim in the morning and from Panjim to Mapusa in the evening, the synchronisation has to be done accordingly. Once all these traffic signals are commissioned, then there will be smooth movement of traffic and accidents will be reduced considerably,” added Khaunte.
