PANAJI
Major traffic jams are being reported daily along National Highway-66, stretching from Guirim junction to Mall de Goa and back.
This congestion is caused by the ongoing construction of a six-lane elevated corridor, which is progressing ahead of schedule. The project is expected to be completed well before its 24-month deadline.
Since the construction began nearly a month ago, commuters have faced daily delays, often stuck in traffic for hours. Many are struggling to meet their daily commitments.
The Goan spoke to some commuters about their experiences, wherein Priyanka Kamat, a teacher commuting from Mapusa to Panaji, shared, “I used to leave home by 7:30 am for school, which starts at 8:30 am. Now I have to leave by 6:45 am to arrive on time. We working women face a lot of challenges; my schedule has changed, and I have to finish all my tasks much earlier. The road conditions are also quite a nightmare.”
Wilson Fernandes, a commuter from Para, expressed his frustration: “I expected traffic chaos, but it’s worse than I thought. Even though I ride a bike, I’m still stuck in traffic for hours every day. The service roads and alternate routes that were supposed to help have also become congested.”
As the construction continues, the daily struggle for commuters remains a pressing issue.
