SURAJ NANDREKAR
The Peddem Junction in Mapusa, located along National Highway 66 (NH66), has become synonymous with traffic congestion and alarming accident rates.
Over the past few years, this key intersection has seen a marked increase in the number of vehicles, and with it, a troubling rise in accidents.
Despite the presence of traffic signals intended to regulate the flow of vehicles, the situation has only worsened. It is high time that authorities address this pressing issue with an infrastructure upgrade—specifically, the construction of a much-needed flyover.
Consider the status quo: vehicles streaming in from all directions commingle at Peddem Junction, leading to an operational nightmare.
Cars, buses, and two-wheelers vie for the same space, resulting in chaos during peak hours. Road rage incidents have become almost commonplace, and pedestrians are left to navigate through a maze of honking vehicles. The traffic signals, while theoretically a solution, often fail to keep the flow smooth because of the sheer volume of traffic.
This not only contributes to a loss of valuable time for commuters but also escalates the risk of collisions.
An alarming statistic reveals that the intersection has witnessed numerous accidents, some of which have resulted in severe injuries and fatalities.
The desperation for a solution is palpable among local residents and commuters alike.
The civil and health departments should prioritize this issue, as the safety of citizens is at stake. Continuing with the current arrangement is tantamount to turning a blind eye to a growing crisis.
In addition to the accidents, there is another layer of frustration—traffic enforcement.
While traffic policemen diligently issue challans for violations like overspeeding and reckless driving, they are often unable to manage the congestion effectively. Their presence, albeit well-intended, does little to alleviate the core problem: the inadequacy of road infrastructure.
Motorists often express exasperation at the apparent sense of priority placed on fining drivers rather than facilitating an effective traffic management system.
The urgent call for a flyover at Peddem Junction is not merely a matter of convenience; it’s a pressing need for enhanced safety and efficiency.
A flyover would allow for a smoother flow of traffic and significantly reduce the potential for accidents.
By creating an uninterrupted roadway for vehicles traveling along NH66, the flyover would alleviate congestion by separating local traffic from through traffic.
This separation is essential in promoting road safety and ensuring that emergencies—medical or otherwise—can be responded to without drastically increased travel times.
The benefits from such an infrastructure investment would not just be immediate; in the long term, it could lead to a more organized and efficient transport network for Mapusa and surrounding areas. Moreover, reducing congestion could enhance local businesses by making the area more accessible, leading to increased foot traffic and revenue.
Peddem Junction’s plight encapsulates a wider issue of traffic mismanagement in rapidly urbanizing areas. Immediate steps must be taken to construct a flyover to ensure the safety and convenience of all who traverse this critical point.
The time for action is now—before more lives are needlessly put at risk.
