MAPUSA
The recent reorientation of traffic signals at the busy Court junction in Mapusa has brought some discipline by curbing the previously chaotic criss-crossing of vehicles.
However, it has also led to long queues of vehicles on all four roads converging at the junction, particularly during peak hours.
The new traffic alignment allows vehicles from each road to move one at a time, which has increased waiting times for motorists. As a result, long lines of vehicles have been observed on key roads.
Traffic heading from the Mapusa bus-stand towards Duler was backed up near Satya-Heera Hotel, while those moving from Duler towards Mapusa town experienced delays that stretched as far back as the Honda Showroom. Similar congestion was seen on roads leading from St Xavier’s College and the North Goa District Hospital.
The change, implemented last week, has frustrated many motorists who now face longer waits at the junction.
"What’s the point of these signals if it takes so much longer to reach your destination?" lamented Mehamood, a motorcycle pilot, who has since opted for an alternate, longer route to avoid the delay.
Several locals criticised the authorities for experimenting with new traffic management systems without adequately addressing the core issues.
A key point of contention is the lack of visible timers on the traffic lights, which leaves drivers unprepared for when the signal changes to green.
During the morning rush, between 7 am and 8 am, the traffic signals are switched off, and traffic police manually regulate the flow. Despite these efforts, congestion remains a significant problem.
A traffic officer stationed at the junction explained that the changes were made following complaints from residents who found the previous traffic system hazardous.
"People want discipline, but they also want to move fast. You can’t have both. The new system is more orderly, but it causes longer queues, especially during peak hours," he said.
Sources indicate that the Mapusa Traffic Cell has been instructed to adjust the signal timings to ease the flow of traffic and reduce delays. Further changes are expected to improve vehicle movement at the junction.
