Goa Chamber of Commerce Sounds Alarm on Deteriorating Road Conditions and Traffic Chaos
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has voiced significant apprehensions regarding the worsening state of road safety, escalating traffic congestion, and disorderly parking arrangements that are adversely impacting both residents and commercial activities throughout the state. The industry body emphasized that these issues are creating operational hurdles and posing serious risks to public safety.
Daily Gridlock on DB Marg and Parking Anarchy
GCCI pointed out that daily traffic snarls along the DB Marg, stretching from Divja circle to the Panaji ferry point, necessitate immediate governmental intervention. According to Chandrakant Gawas, chairman of GCCI's logistics committee, these persistent jams are primarily fueled by haphazard parking and rampant traffic violations. Gawas led a delegation that recently met with North Goa collector Ankit Yadav to present these grievances.
The delegation reported that indiscriminate parking by rent-a-cars and taxis across urban areas is severely restricting parking access for ordinary citizens. They urged the authorities to implement stringent measures against drivers who flout parking regulations, highlighting how such practices exacerbate congestion and inconvenience.
Safety Hazards at Porvorim and Broader Enforcement Failures
Drawing attention to the frequent accidents occurring at Porvorim, attributed to ongoing flyover construction, GCCI called for several corrective actions. These include:
- Deployment of additional traffic police personnel at critical junctions
- Implementation of stricter speed monitoring mechanisms
- Installation of improved road signage to guide motorists
- Launch of public awareness campaigns to promote commuter safety
This appeal comes against a backdrop of concerning enforcement data. Just a day prior, reports indicated that in 2025, two out of every three suspended driving licences resulted from helmet violations alone. Official statistics from the transport directorate revealed that 9,207 motorists lost their licences last year due to various traffic infractions. The data suggests that monetary penalties have been insufficient in fostering discipline among drivers.
Other major causes for licence suspensions included:
- Drink-driving, accounting for 691 cases
- Using mobile phones while driving, leading to 663 suspensions
- Speeding violations, responsible for 469 suspensions
Logistical Challenges and Infrastructure Demands
Beyond immediate traffic concerns, GCCI advocated for the establishment of designated truck termini in both North and South Goa. This measure aims to address the severe congestion and unregulated parking of heavy vehicles that currently choke city roads and commercial zones, disrupting economic activities.
Furthermore, the chamber raised alarms about traffic restrictions on NH 66 adversely affecting air cargo movement and logistics operations. Gawas noted that time-sensitive shipments, including pharmaceuticals, perishable food items, and e-commerce goods, are suffering delays due to ongoing construction activities across the state. GCCI proposed creating alternative routes on NH 66 specifically for heavy vehicles, trailer container trucks, and cargo vehicles destined for Goa's two airports, to ensure smoother transit and minimize economic losses.
Official Response and Broader Context
Collector Ankit Yadav assured the GCCI delegation that their concerns would be thoroughly examined and escalated to relevant departments as necessary. This engagement occurs amidst wider regional traffic challenges, as evidenced by a recent incident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway where an overturned gas tanker caused prolonged gridlock. Passengers, including women and children, were stranded overnight without basic amenities like food, water, or toilet facilities, underscoring the urgent need for robust traffic management and emergency response systems.
The GCCI's comprehensive appeal highlights a critical juncture for Goa's infrastructure, urging coordinated action to enhance road safety, streamline traffic flow, and support the state's economic vitality through improved logistical frameworks.
