Traffic sets off alarm bells in Panjim City plays host to 34,000 vehicles daily: census BY HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 29 - The first ever traffic census for Panjim conducted by the Traffic police recently indicates that the capital is reeling under tremendous vehicular pressure with 34,500 vehicles entering this city on an average everyday. This is an alarming figure for experts and officials, considering the fact that on an average 40,000 new vehicles are introduced on Goan roads annually. While divulging data from the census report, Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Atmaram Deshpande said, "the census indicates that Panjim is witnessing nearly a 40 per cent increase in vehicular entry\exit compared to half a decade ago". The department, he said, is trying to chalk out an effective vehicle regulatory plan and "we felt it was necessary to look into the volume of vehicular movement in and out of the city," he explained. Although changes were introduced recently in traffic movement to and in the city, it is opined that the old Patto bridge can play an important role and plans are in the offing to reverse the movement of traffic on the Patto bridges. It is proposed to introduce the old Patto bridge as an exit route and utilise the new Patto bridge as a permanent entry route to Panjim. The SP Traffic opined that although the new Patto bridge is introduced as an entry route, 90 per cent vehicular movement continues to opt for the old Patto bridge and the new one is under-utilised. The proposals are at an initial stage and a final decision is expected to emerge shortly. It is pointed out that the new Patto bridge which is wider will facilitate smoother movement of traffic into the city while the old Patto bridge will also help in decongesting the city especially during peak hours for exiting the city. According to the census report 30,000 vehicles exit Panjim on an average everyday. Data further reveals that nearly 12,900 exit between 7-11 am, 4,500 between 12 noon to 2 pm and 13,000 between 4-7 pm. On an average, this includes 60 per cent two-wheelers, 3.5 per cent three-wheelers, 29.28 per cent cars and jeeps, 6.16 per cent light goods carriers and passenger vehicles and 0.52 per cent heavy goods vehicles and passenger vehicles. As far as entry of vehicles to Panjim, approximately 30,000 enter between 7-11 am, 2,800 between 12 noon to 2.00 pm and 6,000 between 4-7 pm. This includes 60 per cent two-wheelers, 32.5 per cent cars and jeeps, 3 per cent three-wheelers, 4 per cent light goods and passenger vehicles and 5 per cent heavy goods and passenger vehicles. The highest entry\exit of vehicles was noted on Friday followed by Monday. An equally hectic day noted was Sunday. Mr Deshpande speaking to Herald said that the department has received a mixed response to the recent changes and following the census report, it would now like to work out a plan convenient for the residents and the visitors to Panjim.
