During a leisurely drive to Mangalore, I found myself approaching the end of the new Manohar Parrikar bypass at Canacona. Despite there being no traffic on the wide four-lane road and having crossed an 80 speed limit marker, I was issued a speeding ticket by a radar-equipped traffic police officer. When questioned about this, he pointed out that there was a sign indicating a speed limit of 60 on the bridge located hundred metres behind.
To uphold one’s status as a law-abiding member of society, it is impossible not to be cognisant of the capricious and perplexing road signage, particularly those related to speed limits. Despite the assurances from Union Minister Gadkari regarding first-rate infrastructure in Goa, a State Cabinet Minister claimed that travel time between Margao and Panjim would be reduced to 30 minutes.
Despite the motivational sign, “NO PAIN NO GAIN” we encountered during our arduous commutes across the Zuari Bridge while they constructed a new one, our perseverance has ultimately been in vain. Despite the addition of a stunning four-lane cable-stayed bridge and accompanying flyover beyond, traversing from Margao to Panjim now requires even more time and leaves us feeling irritated due to inexplicable and poorly placed speed limit signage.
Undoubtedly, the frequency of accidents, including fatal ones, has been on a steady rise in Goa. However, is reducing speed the appropriate solution? The causes for such incidents are multifaceted and encompass DRUNK DRIVING as well. Given that Goa is known as the party capital, officials are reluctant to be considered party poopers by implementing alcometer checks in party zones; regrettably economics trumps common sense. BAD ROADS also contribute significantly to this issue since PWD has absolved itself of any responsibility due to lack of funding; repair funds have been redirected towards constructing the western bypass instead. Can the newly appointed PWD Minister make a difference? Furthermore, POOR DESIGN & QUALITY plague several areas where new roads with inadequate banking or subpar finishing leave much room for improvement. Finally, proper DRIVING ETIQUETTE must be enforced, like driving on designated side only, obeying traffic signals and stopping before entering from a side road.
Limiting speed alone is not the ultimate remedy for preventing accidents. If the reduction of speed could guarantee accident prevention, then it would be ideal to prohibit all modes of transportation and mandate walking, which would also promote overall physical wellness.
It is evident that the signage installation is being carried out by illiterate labour, as evidenced by the placement of a 50 sign ten metres before a 60. The speed limit between Bambolim Cross and GMC ranges from 50 to 65 to 60 before finally settling at 40 towards Panjim. Surprisingly, it suddenly escalates to 70 on the Merces flyover. One may enter Panjim at a speed of 40. On the return journey towards Margao, one can accelerate up to 80 until the military camp and subsequently take the service road in front of Bambolim Cross due to its permissible speed limit of 40; whereas on this same stretch of highway, it remains just 30.
If you take a turn at Verna onto the newly constructed four-lane road leading to Borim, there appears to be no speed limit initially. However, suddenly a 50 sign appears followed by a 30, a 50, a 30, all 200 metres apart, finally settling at 50. Interestingly, this section also happens to have a petrol pump. It is worth noting that all pumps located along the highways in Goa have their medians punctured for access from both sides of the highway despite regulations limiting such punctures. This creates an automatic accident zone regardless of one’s driving speed.
Similarly, on the four-lane airport road, there is a speed limit of 50 at Queeny Junction and it increases to 100 50 metres ahead, however, after passing MES junction it decreases again to 70. These examples illustrate how speed limits are interpreted across Goa’s roads with real-life implications for drivers navigating these routes. The only advantage is the Government can collect fines hand over fist.
Why and who decides these arbitrary speed limits, is a driver supposed to memorise all, is he supposed to brake as soon as speed reduces, is that not a potential reason to get rear ended. A speed limit of 30 on the old Zuari Bridge was understandable as it is in a dangerous condition. Is that also the case with the new bridges just built?
After determining the speed limit, do those in charge undertake on-site inspections to ensure proper installation and positioning of traffic signs? Evidently not, as evidenced by oversights. For instance, when there is an upcoming reduction in speed, cautionary indications are displayed prior to implementation of the new limit so that motorists need not abruptly brake to comply with regulations - a practice which would be unsafe and counterproductive. Is it not incumbent upon officials within the Public Works Department and Highways Agency to assume responsibility for these oversights? Surely they must utilize these thoroughfares themselves; therefore their vigilance is necessary.
The Government of Goa has officially announced the implementation of its Vehicle Scrappage Policy, which is modelled after the central Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernisation Programme. However, it may be questioned whether such a policy is necessary if road conditions only permit low speeds. In fact, older vehicles are better suited to comply with speed limits compared to newer technologically advanced cars.
The Government must conduct a comprehensive review and rationalisation of the speed limits imposed on National Highways, State Highways, District Roads and Village roads. An audit should be carried out to identify any inaccurate signage that requires removal. The placement of all signage ought to be restricted exclusively to the left hand side of the road instead of on medians. It is crucial to note that driving slowly does not necessarily translate into safe driving; rather, it is more imperative for motorists to abstain from consuming alcohol while driving and adhere strictly to traffic rules when navigating well-designed roads. Drive safely!
(The author prefers to write rather than chat in a balcao)