Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Traffic Police, and the contractor appointed to install traffic signals carried out a joint inspection of the Merces Junction on Wednesday following growing demands from residents for the immediate installation of traffic signals.
Merces Junction, considered as one of the busiest and most accident-prone intersections in the area, continues to function without traffic signals despite repeated appeals from local residents. During the inspection, officials assessed the site for the proposed signal installation and other traffic management measures.
Residents urged the authorities to expedite the installation of traffic signals and undertake road widening to improve safety and ease traffic congestion at the junction.
The intersection serves as a key link connecting Old Goa, Bambolim and several surrounding villages with Panaji. It witnesses heavy traffic movement throughout the day, including office-goers, students and daily commuters, often leading to confusion and increasing the risk of accidents.
One commuter said that although the junction has witnessed comparatively fewer accidents than expected, it is largely because motorists exercise extra caution while navigating the intersection.
“People drive carefully because there are no traffic signals. However, considering the volume of vehicles using this junction every day, proper traffic signals are essential to regulate traffic and improve road safety,” the commuter said.
