PANAJI
With more road stretches torn apart and commuters again finding themselves caught in a relentless maze of detours and bottlenecks, the Panaji Traffic Cell is under mounting pressure to manage the ever-worsening traffic snarls.
The sudden closure and diversion of roads leading to the congestion, particularly during the peak hours, has prompted desperate measures from the Traffic Cell to restore order.
Sources said they called for reinforcements from other Traffic Cells in North Goa, and the deployment of personnel from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) is imminent.
“Six officers from other traffic cells have been reassigned to spearhead efforts in critical areas where ongoing works have paralysed movement. An additional 20 IRB personnel are expected to be deployed at key choke points and other locations in the coming days to help ease the gridlock,” the source said.
“This is a stopgap measure to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible while the work is in progress,” the source added.
It has also been learnt that officers will crack down on double parking, footpath parking and other violations that worsen congestion even as the Traffic Department conceded frustrations faced by commuters who are left with few parking options and limited, often one-way, alternate routes.
Adding to the chaos, the Aqua Goa Mega Fish Festival at Campal has become a flashpoint for traffic chaos along the route.
“We are managing with whatever staff we have to ensure the smooth flow of traffic but the situation worsens by the day. Riders/drivers are growing more irate. We understand the situation,” admitted a senior traffic officer.
Officials also revealed that the duty hours have extended to 12 hours or more amid the mounting crisis. The Panaji Traffic Cell handles major chunks of roads in Tiswadi including the busy Agassaim, Old Goa, Dona Paula, Bambolim, St Cruz, etc.
