Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Panaji Councillor Jack Sukhija has called for large-scale commercial events to be shifted out of the iconic DB Ground stretch at Campal, stating that the city’s congested roads and residents can no longer bear the traffic pressure and crowds generated by mega events organised within Panaji.
Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, following the massive traffic gridlock during Oktoberfest Goa on November 1, Sukhija said the DB Road stretch was not equipped to handle large gatherings that bring hundreds of people and vehicles into an already congested part of the city.
He pointed out that the traffic chaos had blocked access to residential areas and public roads, with even ambulances reportedly unable to pass through.
Describing the stretch as a dangerous road, Sukhija said, “The DB stretch has become a killer road. Several people have lost their lives here because of its narrowness, vehicle speeds and traffic conditions. My humble appeal is that no more mega events should be held here when alternatives are available.”
Sukhija proposed that events attracting more than 500 people at a time or requiring parking for over 250 to 300 vehicles should be classified as mega events and shifted to venues with adequate parking facilities or proper visitor transportation arrangements.
He clarified that smaller fairs and exhibitions could continue at existing locations, provided crowds were properly dispersed and parking was arranged at alternative locations.
Among the alternative venues, he suggested Patto Park and the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on the outskirts of the city, stating that these locations could accommodate larger gatherings with better parking and transportation arrangements.
Citing the relocation of Festa de Povo from São Tomé and Fontainhas to Patto following residents’ concerns over access to emergency healthcare, Sukhija said the new venue offered sufficient parking facilities, including the Goa Tourism Development Corporation parking lot.
Emphasising that he was not opposed to tourism or public events, Sukhija said such activities were important for the city’s economy and tourism sector. However, he cautioned against overcrowding already congested locations and bringing essential city services to a standstill in the name of tourism.
He said the Oktoberfest weekend exposed serious gaps in coordination, with several events, including Ironman, the Vibrant Goa Mega Summit and a seminar organised by Transitions Research, adding to the pressure on Panaji’s roads.
While expressing support for events such as Ironman and Oktoberfest, he questioned the choice of venues and the absence of a comprehensive visitor management plan.
Sukhija stressed that event organisers must arrange parking facilities away from congested areas, provide shuttle bus services and ensure that visitors use them. He cited the shuttle arrangements made by the Serendipity Arts Festival at certain venues as an example of better event management.
He also questioned the lack of implementation of the Panaji Smart City command and control centre, which was envisaged to provide intelligent traffic management and improve traffic coordination.
Raising concerns over future infrastructure projects, Sukhija pointed to the proposed ropeway, which is expected to bring around 2,000 people onto the roads, as well as a proposed 500-room luxury hotel at the old GTDC Miramar Residency site.
He urged the Corporation Commissioner, District Collector and Superintendent of Traffic Police to assess the carrying capacity of venues and ensure proper traffic management arrangements before granting permissions for large events.
Warning that repeated traffic blockages could eventually result in a serious incident, Sukhija called for a coordinated approach to event planning that balances tourism development with the safety, convenience and everyday needs of Panaji residents.
