Margao's internal roads help ease congestion TNN 20 November 2009, 06:05am IST
MARGAO: The city's internal roads have come as a blessing with the main roads choked with vehicular traffic. Those wishing to make an U turn at the Hospicio hospital while entering the city or driving down from the hospital towards the old market will have to make use of the internal road to drive down to Abba de Faria road leading towards the old market. Similarly, vehicles moving towards Pajifond can use the internal road from the BPS club instead of having to drive straight towards the Collectorate office, leading to traffic decongestion. Similarly, a right turn from the Hospicio circle to go towards the hospital will not be allowed. Instead, the vehicles will have to proceed straight and take a turn from the Holy Spirit church and enter the city once again. The diversion has been made possible with a new notification issued by the south Goa collector, G P Naik following recommendations made by the traffic cell, Margao. "The notification for the diversion is on a trial basis, but if it is found useful, then the plan can be taken forward,'' said traffic cell inspector, P B Shirwaiker. Shirwaiker said the new route will ensure smooth flow of traffic. There is also a plan to shift the bus stand and auto rickshaw stand near the Hospicio hospital. The notification was to be executed from Thursday, but got delayed because of the impending visit of President Pratibha Patil and as the traffic police remained busy with the parade practice. The internal roads were earlier thought of as an alternative to decongest the traffic, but it was kept on hold because of residential colonies. However, the administration decided to go ahead in view of the increasing criticism it faced over the bourgeoning traffic chaos and the fracas that it led to. Earlier in the year, tourism minister, Francisco X (Micky) Pacheco had filed a complaint against one traffic constable at the Hospicio circle, who was found wanting during duty hours. The traffic cell conducted an inquiry and the constable was transferred. The constable too had filed a counter complaint against the minister for 'using foul language,' police said. Recently, an youth was arrested for manhandling a traffic constable at the same circle and charged with assault and obstructing a government servant while legally discharging his duties. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Margaos-internal-roads-help-ease-congestion/articleshow/5249377.cms