Goa traffic police have directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to divert vehicles travelling from Calangute and Saligao towards Bambolim and South Goa through the elevated corridor and Atal Setu via Guirim, in a move aimed at reducing congestion on Porvorim roads and the new Mandovi bridge.
The traffic cell’s direction applies to vehicles other than two-wheelers. It said motorists from Calangute and Saligao currently have no access to the elevated corridor and are required to travel through Chogm Road, join National Highway 66 at Porvorim and proceed via the new Mandovi bridge. According to the traffic cell, this route adds to the burden on Porvorim’s existing road network and the bridge.
Under the proposed arrangement, vehicles will be diverted from Chogm Road at two locations. Motorists near Freedom Tree Hotel at Sangolda will be directed through Sai Baba Temple, Sangolda, to the Guirim Cross underpass, from where they can access the elevated corridor.
A second diversion point has been identified opposite Wellness Pharmacy at Porvorim. Vehicles turning left from Chogm Road there will proceed along New ODP Road, join NH 66 and travel towards the Guirim Cross underpass. They will then take a right turn to enter the elevated corridor for their onward journey.
The traffic cell has asked the PWD to install directional signboards at the specified locations. The proposed wording is: “Way to Elevated Corridor for motorists (except two-wheelers) travelling to Dabolim airport, Margao, Vasco, Ponda and Bambolim.”
The diversion is intended to improve the use of the elevated corridor and Atal Setu while taking traffic headed towards Bambolim and South Goa away from the roads through Porvorim. The route is relevant to motorists travelling to Dabolim airport, Margao, Vasco and Ponda, in addition to Bambolim.
Traffic police said vehicles continue to move slowly on Porvorim roads despite the elevated corridor being opened to traffic. A senior police officer cited the influx of vehicles registered outside Goa during the tourist season as one reason for congestion, noting that many of these vehicles are headed towards Calangute.
The PWD’s installation of directional signboards is the next identified step in implementing the traffic arrangement. The traffic cell said the change would reduce pressure on Porvorim’s existing road network and benefit commuters travelling from Calangute and Saligao.
