Staff Reporter
Mapusa
Traffic congestion at Mapusa Court Junction has persisted for nearly a month ever since a truck knocked down the automated traffic signals, which are yet to be replaced. In the absence of functioning signals, traffic cell personnel have been managing vehicular movement manually from early morning to ensure smooth flow.
The issue arose last month when an Electricity Department crane passing through the junction got entangled in overhead wires supplying power to the traffic signals. The impact caused two poles—one near the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) building and another near the court—to collapse, while two others toppled. Since then, all signals have been removed, but replacements are yet to be installed.
The junction, one of the busiest in Mapusa, experiences heavy traffic throughout the day. Even before the incident, traffic police were required to assist with regulation despite the presence of signals. In the past few weeks, however, congestion has worsened, particularly during peak hours.
Acting Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council, Sushant Harmalkar, said that approval has been secured from the Electricity Department for laying underground cables for the traffic signals.
, and they are now awaiting clearance from the Public Works Department (PWD).
“Once PWD approval is received, we will begin installation of new traffic signals with timers. We expect the work to be completed by February 20,” Harmalkar said.
