The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has issued a stark warning about the escalating road safety crisis, severe traffic congestion, and chaotic parking conditions that are disrupting daily life and business operations throughout the state. In a detailed representation, the industry body emphasized that these issues are causing significant hardships for both residents and commercial enterprises, demanding urgent governmental attention.
Critical Traffic Bottlenecks and Parking Woes
GCCI specifically pointed to the daily traffic gridlock along DB Marg, stretching from Divja circle to the Panaji ferry point, as a prime example of the deteriorating situation. According to the chamber, this persistent congestion is largely driven by irregular parking practices and widespread traffic violations that go unchecked. Chandrakant Gawas, chairman of GCCI's logistics committee, highlighted that these jams are not just inconveniences but are severely impacting economic activities and public safety.
Delegation Meets North Goa Collector
Led by Gawas, a GCCI delegation recently met with North Goa collector Ankit Yadav to formally present their concerns. The delegation reported that indiscriminate parking by rent-a-cars and taxis across Panaji is blocking access to parking spaces for ordinary citizens, creating further chaos. They urged the authorities to take strict action against drivers who violate parking norms, emphasizing the need for better enforcement to restore order.
Safety Hazards and Infrastructure Challenges
GCCI also drew attention to the frequent accidents occurring at Porvorim, attributing them to the ongoing flyover construction. The industry body demanded the immediate deployment of traffic police personnel at such sites to enhance safety and manage traffic flow effectively. Additionally, GCCI called for the establishment of designated truck termini in both North and South Goa to address the severe congestion and unregulated parking of heavy vehicles, which are choking city roads and commercial areas.
Impact on Logistics and Cargo Movement
Beyond local traffic, GCCI raised serious concerns about traffic restrictions on NH 66, which are adversely affecting air cargo movement and logistics operations. Gawas explained that time-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, perishable food items, and e-commerce goods, is suffering significant delays due to the state's ongoing construction activities. This disruption poses a threat to supply chains and business efficiency, particularly for industries reliant on prompt deliveries.
Seeking Solutions for Heavy Vehicles
To mitigate these issues, GCCI has proposed alternative routes on NH 66 specifically for heavy vehicles, trailer container trucks, and cargo vehicles heading to Goa's two airports. This measure aims to streamline traffic and reduce bottlenecks, ensuring smoother operations for critical logistics. In response, collector Ankit Yadav assured the delegation that GCCI's concerns would be thoroughly examined, with a commitment to exploring viable solutions to improve road safety and traffic management across the state.
