NT Reporter
Margao
Navelim residents have opposed the Transport Department’s proposal to reinstall an artificial intelligence (AI)-based traffic signal near the Navelim church junction, claiming the system is unsuitable for the village’s narrow and winding roads.
The issue gained prominence during a recent trial run when the automated signals led to heavy traffic congestion within minutes. The system was switched off around 40 minutes later following complaints from residents and intervention by local MLA Ulhas Tuenkar.
Residents and panchayat members said automated signals and fixed timers failed to account for the road layout and traffic patterns in the village. They have demanded that traffic management be handled manually by police personnel instead.
Sources said the Transport Department has also proposed installing another traffic signal on the other side of the church, near Goa Palace. The proposal has met with opposition from villagers, who have rejected the installation of traffic signals in the area.
The department recently held a meeting with stakeholders, including the local MLA, to discuss the issue and is considering restarting the AI-based system on a fresh trial basis.
Chairman of the Navelim Road Safety and Traffic Management Committee Joe Gracias said the department should have consulted the committee before planning the installation of traffic signals.
“Traffic signals have been installed in the past and each time they have failed. Even though authorities have assured that the signals will not be operated during peak hours, there are several questions over the need for traffic signals in the village,” he said.
Villagers said there was little congestion outside peak hours and questioned the need for signals that could slow down traffic, particularly near a religious place.
“We do not need the signals and the Transport Department should explain to the public how the signals will help,” residents said.
Transport Department sources, however, defended the proposal, saying the signals were being installed along National Highway 66 passing through Navelim. The old highway, they said, had not been denotified and continued to remain part of the national highway network.
