MARGAO
Members of the South Goa District Road Safety Council raised the topic of traffic sentinel scheme and a host of other road safety issues at the meeting chaired by District Collector South Agnelo Fernandes on Tuesday.
Lorna Fernandes pointed out that members felt that there’s a need for major publicity to put forward the aims and objectives of the scheme. It was suggested that an information booklet can be printed and released during the National Road Safety Week, between February 4 and 10 and the activity planned during the week.
Members also called for a schedule for inspection of the KTC bus stands at Margao, Cuncolim, Canacona, Ponda and Shiroda by various departments.
Given that the Verna-Cortalim and Goa Velha-Agassaim stretch of the NH is facing traffic blockages everyday due to bridge construction, a suggestion was made to explore the possibility of introducing ferry/ launch services from Vasco to Dona Paula at the earliest.
It was also suggested to come out with a website for the new road and bridge project of Zuari River and other places in South Goa, with a further suggestion that the PWD (NH) must take the initiative so that people can see the progress and avoid the spread of misinformation.
On the bus fare hike, members contended that fare table was still not being displayed, tickets are not being issued, conductors don’t wearing uniform, name badge, mandatory details like women’s helpline number and owner’s mobile number not displayed, mandatory reserved seats for women/ senior citizens/disabled not properly displayed and enforced.
On the Road Accident Victims Assistance Scheme, members have called for wide publicity through DIP and making available forms at the offices of all ADTs, Mamlatdars, Deputy Collectors, BDOs, traffic cells, village panchayats and municipal councils of South Goa District.
On Road Safety Lessons Pilot Project of Directorate of Education, members felt that the schools from South Goa District which are adjacent to MDR/ State/ National Highways could be asked to submit their requirement/ suggestions for zebra crossing, traffic/ road safety signage as a concrete follow-up.
