FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Traffic congestion at the Margao railway station on the Aquem side has been steadily increasing, as numerous vehicles, including rickshaws, are parked haphazardly on either side of the incomplete road. With thousands of passengers using the station, congestion during peak hours has spiralled out of control, with private vehicle owners disregarding traffic rules, exacerbating the chaos by parking their vehicles wherever they find space.
Margao railway station sees over 65 trains, including local ones, arriving daily from various places. Some vendors have set up their businesses in front of the station on the Aquem side, encroaching upon the main road and leaving little space for passengers to move.
Despite the railway administration's efforts to renovate and expand the station premises to improve the conditions outside, traffic jams persist as the roadwork remains incomplete, causing hardship for vehicle owners. Passing of two vehicles on such narrow roads is challenging, leading to disputes and accidents.
On the Aquem side, one can see rickshaws, light vehicles, and motorcycle riders waiting for passengers after train arrivals, while private vehicles, including loaded pick-ups jostle for space on the narrow stretch.
During peak hours, no policemen are posted in this area to regulate traffic or keep a check on antisocial elements. Some trains arrive at midnight and depart very late, yet no policemen are seen around. A few months ago, a Margao police jeep was damaged by a group of people at midnight when the police went to question them.
“After 5 pm, getting to the station using a cab, private car, or auto rickshaw becomes very difficult as the entrance is jammed with vehicles. Parking is a major issue as most people are not comfortable parking their vehicles far from the station, which adds to the congestion,” said a regular passenger. He also pointed out that the road in front of the railway station is in poor condition.
Another commuter mentioned, “Once passengers get down at the station, the road outside the main entrance gets congested. Cab drivers want us to come to them, and to add to this, no policeman is seen outside the railway station.”
Previously, this road never used to be jammed, but now traffic congestion has become a regular feature, he added.
