Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has identified key reasons behind growing traffic congestion in Panaji, pointing to the absence of off-street parking and a heavy influx of vehicles as the primary causes.
In a reply tabled in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated that traffic personnel are deployed at various locations to ensure smooth vehicular movement, while multiple steps have been initiated to tackle congestion across the capital city.
Among the measures taken, authorities have directed casino operators to strictly follow designated parking arrangements and ensure that customers use multi-level parking facilities. Additionally, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has been asked to explore relocation of petrol pumps along D.B. Marg and construct additional multi-level parking infrastructure.
The government has also requested Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) to install adequate directional signboards and improve traffic flow. Short-term and long-term traffic management suggestions have been forwarded to the Transport Department.
Data reveals that illegal parking continues to be a major issue, with thousands of violations recorded over the last three years. In 2023, as many as 8,876 cases were booked with fines amounting to over ₹44.87 lakh, while 6,455 cases were recorded in 2024 and 7,554 in 2025.
To address the issue comprehensively, the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) has drafted a mobility and parking master plan, which includes pay parking zones, smart parking systems, and pedestrian-friendly initiatives such as cycle tracks and riverfront promenades.
The government maintains that coordinated efforts between departments, stricter enforcement, and improved infrastructure will be key to easing Panaji’s persistent traffic woes.
