Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has asked the State government to draw up an integrated traffic management plan for Panaji, with a focus on pedestrian safety, illegal parking and congestion in busy areas during evening hours.
The direction came from a Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar while hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation on traffic problems in the capital. The court has asked the government and Traffic Department to submit a detailed proposal by Monday.
The plan is expected to cover the road stretch from the Old Secretariat to the ferry point, with clearly marked pedestrian crossings, strategically positioned barricades, designated no-parking areas and additional traffic police at locations prone to congestion. The court noted that traffic pressure is particularly high between 6 pm and 9 pm.
Casino-related traffic emerged as a key concern during the hearing. The Bench pointed to congestion near the Captain of Ports (CoP) office, the jetty and Old Patto Road, where casinos, clubs and restaurants attract vehicles and visitors. It also took note of vehicles being parked in prohibited areas along DB Road and outside the old High Court building on MG Road.
The judges raised concerns about pedestrians crossing roads at different points, including casino employees moving between locations. They observed that the removal of barricades had contributed to uncontrolled road crossings, highlighting the need for safer and clearly designated pedestrian routes.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the court that casino operators had been instructed to park their vehicles behind the Old Secretariat, but the directive had not been followed. He assured the Bench that passenger pick-up and drop-off activity near the CoP office and ferry point would be regulated, with the designated point moved towards the old Accounts Department.
The court also asked the authorities to examine suitable sites for zebra crossings, including the area near the former Bombay Steamer Jetty. Congestion in the narrow lanes of St Tome and the parking of abandoned government vehicles near the Electricity Department were among the other issues flagged for attention.
The Bench made it clear that isolated restrictions at individual spots would not be enough. Instead, the authorities must map the required traffic interventions across the identified stretch and specify locations for barricades, crossings and parking restrictions. The Collector will have to issue the necessary notifications to give effect to the plan.
The court further emphasised the need for more police personnel at identified congestion points during peak hours to ensure that traffic and pedestrian movement are properly regulated.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Pangam said the administration would convene a meeting with the Panaji traffic cell and other officials to discuss the proposed interventions. He said addressing the placement of barricades and zebra crossings could significantly ease the situation.
