‘New road signage system to be put in place’
Panaji : Factoring in the rising road accidents and fatalities, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday announced that AI-based traffic signals will be installed at 91 junctions across the state, adding that new road signage system would also be put in place.
Speaking after a meeting of the State Road Safety Council, Godinho said that despite Goa being labelled as the “accident capital of the country”, significant progress has been made through systematic intervention.
“In the last quarter of this year, there has been a decrease in road accidents by 14 per cent which indicates that things are moving in the right direction,” he stated, attributing the improvement to corrective measures implemented at 80 per cent of the identified black spots across the state.
“A tender for AI-based traffic signals will be floated soon, targeting first the important areas in a phased manner. I think in six or eight months, they will start functioning in a phased manner for smooth traffic management,” Godinho said.
New signages will also be installed across the state complementing the AI traffic system; the public works department is expected to float tenders shortly as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the state’s persistent road safety challenges.
However, the minister emphasised that infrastructure improvements alone cannot solve the problem entirely.
“We are taking steps, and we are serious about reducing the accident rate. But tomorrow if you choose to drive or ride at high speed, how can I prevent accidents from happening?
“If a person enjoys a party in the late night hours and is not in a position to walk, how can he be safe in driving? He will be like a bomb on the road,” Godinho reckoned.
The Road Safety Council’s scope is being significantly expanded to ensure better coordination among departments. The electricity department will now be included as part of the council, while superintendents of police in both districts have been made permanent members.
Additionally, representation from the health department and Goa Medical College has been incorporated to create an integrated approach to road safety.
Speaking about road digging, the minister said, “I am aware of roads digging by various contractors engaged by different departments for utility services. But roads will be restored at the end of the monsoon.”
The minister also announced plans for the upcoming Road Safety Week, featuring awareness programmes in colleges, schools, and other places
He directed both district collectors to dedicate time in their offices to road safety education. He also instructed all departments to invite officers with knowledge on road safety to educate their employees.
