the goan I network
MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday assured to install traffic signals at the busy Navelim church junctions by November.
He also assured to station policemen at key junctions during the peak hours, especially during school hours.
“We will fix the traffic signals and inaugurate it in November. We will invite you and Alexio Reginald Lourenco too for the inaugural,” Sawant said, while responding to Congress MLA Luizinho Faleiro during the Question Hour.
Highlighting the issue of traffic chaos at the crucial Navelim junctions, Faleiro said traffic signals installed by him around 15 years back were removed by the National Highways department for expansion of the existing roads.
“There were around 3,000 students then, which has now gone up to 15,000. A motorist caught in the traffic jam at the Navelim junctions has to spend nothing less than an hour on the road,” Faleiro said.
Clutching a bunch of correspondence, the Navelim MLA said letters written to officials have failed to bear any fruits.
“The former chief minister assured to look into the matter, but the issue has not been resolved. I do not know if the government has no money,” he said.
The chief minister informed the Navelim MLA that the traffic signals were removed to widen the NH66.
“I have taken note of your concern and given directions to the officials. I assure you that by November we will inaugurate the new traffic signal,” Dr Sawant said.
He also assured to station a police man during peak hours in the morning, afternoon and evening at key junctions.
The CM further informed that the new bypass for Margao will lessen the present traffic load experienced at the Navelim junction.
