Advance intimation key to reducing traffic snarls during road and bridge works
Last Friday, several motorists had to battle gridlock in Panaji during peak hours as the new Patto bridge was shut for urgent maintenance repairs of the damaged expansion joints along Dayanand Bandodkar Marg.
Several office-goers reported late to work, as did some students. Why did this happen? One major reason, according to commuters, was that there was no intimation of the closure well in advance. An order was issued the evening before the bridge was to be shut. Hence, many were taken by surprise. They said that had they known of the PWD’s plans at least one or two days in advance, they would have been mentally prepared and left home earlier.
They are not against the PWD undertaking repairs. There is no dispute that the damaged expansion joints had to be repaired. A Kolkata-based company is carrying out the work using Poliflex material. In fact, it is a good initiative by the PWD to take up the work without waiting until the end of May. Authorities had undertaken repair work on the same expansion joint in April last year and in November 2024. Most commuters and motorists felt their hardships could have been reduced if the repair plan had been executed more meticulously and in a holistic manner.
This is not to say that procedure was not followed. It was. The traffic police, in coordination with the PWD, made arrangements for traffic diversion. Around 40 traffic police personnel were deployed at various locations to regulate traffic. Vehicular traffic exiting Church Square was diverted towards the Mala bridge, while the old Patto bridge was used for entering the city. On reaching the T-junction, there was no signage indicating ‘turn right’ to proceed to the Mala bridge, though policemen were posted to give directions. Along Rua de Ourem, one side of the road was dug up for work, restricting traffic flow.
Along DB Marg, the riverside stretch of the new Patto bridge was opened for two-way traffic. There was nothing wrong with that. However, at night, many motorists, especially first-timers, including casino visitors, were taken by surprise as road dividers were few and far between. When such changes are effected at short notice, policemen need to be posted along such routes for road safety. Time is precious for all.
It may not be directly related, but how often have citizens seen proper arrangements for smooth traffic flow during bridge construction or repairs? When the iconic Zuari bridge was being constructed, better planning could have minimised commuters’ suffering. During the construction of the Porvorim elevated corridor, the situation was similar. Traffic was diverted to village and service roads where underground cabling work was simultaneously underway. On a positive note, signages were installed. Along the highway, dust pollution caused havoc. It was the High Court, following a PIL, which instructed the government to water the roads to reduce dust pollution. Whether this applies to non-highways or not, it would be appropriate, in the interest of commuters, to follow guidelines set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
It is positive that the PWD is checking the health of bridges. Undoubtedly, good infrastructure — roads, bridges and public utilities — and their proper maintenance are essential. However, concern and respect for road users cannot be overlooked.
Motorists pay road tax, which is not a small amount. What is expected of the government in return is good roads, road safety and minimal inconvenience to road users.
