Panaji: Following numerous complaints by citizens regarding the accident-prone area at Peddem junction, a joint Inspection of the National Highway-66 opposite the Peddem Sports Complex was conducted by Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira, Vice-Chairman of Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’ Souza along with other government authorities on Thursday.
The inspection was held regarding the installation of traffic signals at the junction, to understand problems faced by people and other related issues with respect to the road.
The Mapusa MLA said that there has been a proposal to install signals as a temporary measure, for which Mapusa municipality will install traffic signals by seeking permission of the National Highway Authority of India.
“We came for a ground inspection and had a very good discussion. Every day, we keep getting pictures and messages of accidents at this spot. It is a very dangerous junction. Even before elections, people had told me we must do something about it. We need a long-term solution. I have given my suggestions,” Ferreira said.
Ferreira said that residents of Acoi, Camarcazan and Peddem have to face a lot of problem while crossing over to Mapusa town.
“Its a shame that they facing great difficulty while crossing over. The junction is a death trap. Whenever I travel along this junction, I am myself scared while driving the car that someone may hit me. If i can face this danger, then why not the common man. It is much more frighful for two-wheeler riders,” he said.
Ferreira said that he is grateful to the Mapusa MLA for coming for the inspection.
“GSIDC had undertaken the work on the two flyovers at Bastora and Green Park Hotel. So if necessary, GSIDC can take up the work on the junction because if we approach the Centre and NHAI, and seek budget approvals, it could take 5 years for a solution to materialise. At the state government level, we can do it faster for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Ferreira said that the next step will be to create a Facebook page to seek suggestions from citizens.
“Some suggestions may be feasible, some not. We will take all the feedback and place it before the technical experts. Once we will draft the plan, we will place it before the people and then submit a final plan to the government,” he said.
Also present were councillor of ward no. 7 Tarak Arolkar, Trajano D’mello, EE Roads & Highways Atmaram Gawade, officials and citizens.
