Panaji's smart city aspirations have sparked concerns among Goans due to ongoing infrastructure developments. The routine excavation of new roads and closure of existing ones has become a daily inconvenience, attributed to bureaucratic inefficiency and inadequate planning”a concern shared by many locals. Despite promises of progress, the completion of government-initiated projects, especially those affecting common citizens, remains uncertain.
The recent decision to shut the Old Goa to Divja Circle road, redirecting traffic to Kadamba bypass road, adds to the frustration. Over the past eight to nine years, the persistent construction on Kadamba bypass road has accustomed commuters to perpetual traffic jams. The sequence of projects, from Atal Setu to ongoing flyover work near Chinchwada Junction, has exacerbated congestion, causing delays and affecting daily life. A few months ago I was stuck in a similar traffic block and my case was taken to the Hon'ble High Court. As there was no alternative, I had to present the case before the court through video conferencing from the car itself. After being stuck in traffic for one to two hours I was left with no other option. The ongoing developments, lacking comprehensive planning, not only inconvenience residents but also impact emergency services, evident in ambulances struggling through traffic near the Goa Medical College. The question arises: is the government's decision-making aligned with the welfare of its citizens, or is it contributing to further chaos on the roads?
