Smart City projects struggle traffic crawl

30 May 2024 CW Team

Residents of Panaji found themselves caught in a frustrating traffic jam due to last-minute roadworks aimed at meeting the Smart City deadline of May 31, causing congestion across the city. The closure of important routes, such as Mala-Bhatlem and the stretch from St Inez Church to Casa Macau, hindered commuters' movement. Additionally, obstacles like piles of mud and exposed manholes along key arteries like Rua de Ourem, near the Customs House, and outside Panaji police headquarters worsened the situation.

With interior roads inaccessible due to ongoing construction, motorists had to use the main DB Road, increasing traffic density and leading to significant delays in commute times. "I usually take the road from Santa Cruz to St Inez via Bhatlem every day, but I wasn't aware of the road closure on Tuesday," said a working professional from Panaji. "So, I had to turn back and use DB Road, where I got stuck in slow-moving traffic for 25 minutes."

The traffic jams also affected pickup trucks and goods vehicles, whose drivers typically choose interior routes to avoid congestion on main roads. "My client's business establishment is in St Inez, and I had plans to deliver goods on Tuesday," said a supplier. "We rescheduled the delivery for Wednesday due to road closures."

One student shared her experience of navigating through the traffic to reach her tuition class. "Most of my classmates live near the class, and I ride my bicycle for 3km to get there," she said. "It took me 45 minutes to reach my destination."

As Panaji deals with the consequences of the last-minute roadworks, commuters should prepare for potential disruptions in the days leading up to the Smart City deadline.

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