The ongoing construction of the Porvorim flyover has become a literal and metaphorical rollercoaster for two-wheeler riders. This section has turned into a high stakes adventure due to the uneven surfaces, abrupt diversions and unpredictable traffic jams.
To make matters worse, Goa's already bustling tourism season will be further taxed by the anticipated large crowds for the International Film Festival of India in Panjim, starting November 20.
Without a proper traffic management plan or adequate police presence, the road to Panjim could transform into a choking nightmare, leaving commuters bracing for delays, confusion and chaos.
Be it early morning or late evening, the traffic jam is never-ending. The two major junctions that can be nerve-wracking on the Mapusa-Panjim route are the Mall de Goa junction and the Guirim signal, which currently has no signal, but is a maze with a narrow route out.
If you're heading to Panjim to attend the spectacular film festival, it's important to plan your route in advance.
A helpful tip: if you're coming to Goa for major events like the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier or the 55th edition of IFFI, try to stay closer to the venues to avoid the hassle of long, winding commutes.
As much as staying across the Mandovi bridge, towards the coastal belt might seem more exciting, believe me, the journey to the capital and back is not a cakewalk.
As if that wasn’t enough, the so-called traffic cell meant to help ease the traffic flow seems to be absent at key junctions. There seem to be more officers on internal roads than on the highways, where their presence is actually needed.
There needs to be a better plan in place that works for everyone.
Given the poor condition of the roads, it would be wise for the traffic department to reroute two-wheelers onto the internal roads, while keeping four- and eight-wheelers on the highways, as their tyres are better suited for the uneven surfaces.
Let’s face it—given that most vehicles these days are SUVs, MUVs and sedans, Goa's narrow internal roads certainly aren't wide enough for two lanes of traffic, leave alone accommodate an eight-wheeler truck passing through.
With the tourism season now on, and numerous events taking place across the State, there absolutely needs to be a more effective plan to ensure better traffic flow than what we’re currently seeing.
The challenges don’t stop there. Porvorim is not only clogged with traffic, but its air quality is equally compromised. As you drive through, you’ll notice that the plants and trees are coated with a blanket of dust, and vehicles parked along the highway are covered with a thick layer of grime.
Your pristine white car, once freshly washed, will quickly be covered in dust. In short, living, breathing, and commuting in the area has become a real hassle.
With this state of affairs, the only positive thing to look forward to right now is the completion of the flyover.