PORVORIM
Thousands of vehicles have been caught up in massive traffic jams along the highway at Porvorim since Monday, with the closure of Atal Setu for traffic on account of repair work.
Long queues of motorists were seen stranded along the NH 17 highway from Mandovi Bridge Circle till Socorro junction.
Among those most affected with ambulances and office staff, with several people reaching their offices late on account of the massive traffic jams.
Motorists vented their anger at the government for the traffic jams.
Agnelo Pereira, a resident of Porvorim, said there was no need for the government to have hastily opened the Atal Setu for traffic without fully completing the work.
“Due to frequent repair work, the people now have to suffer because of the incompetence of the government. Students have to reach their schools in time to answer their exams. The government chose a wrong time to close the Atal Setu,” said Pereira.
When contacted, sources at the Porvorim Traffic Cell said they have already informed their head office about traffic jam.
“Since staff at the Porvorim Traffic Cell were unable to control massive traffic congestion, additional 15 police personnel have been deputed at Porvorim to control the traffic. In all, 37 traffic police have been deployed from Mandovi Bridge till Socorro to regulate the traffic,” said the source.
“We had written to our head office not to allow heavy vehicles on the NH 17 highway during the day. Since the NH17 is blocked, motorists have been using the Service Road and internal roads in Porvorim, leading to further traffic congestion at Porvorim.”
“They have put up barricades at Malim to prevent vehicles coming to Mandovi bridge circle from Calangute area. Most vehicles from Calangute side prefer to go Panaji through the ferry service.”
The source said traffic congestions have been witnessed from all sides at Porvorim, Sangolda and Malim.
