The ongoing Smart City project has brought about a nightmarish traffic situation on the Kadamba Bypass, leaving commuters stranded and frustrated. The chaos ensued following the complete closure of the road segment from the Basilica of Bom Jesus junction in Old Goa to Divja Circle in Panaji, spanning the causeway. The closure, initiated to facilitate the ambitious Smart City work, began on March 10th and is expected to persist until April 30th, 2024.
Commuters attempting to navigate the Kadamba Bypass Road now face a formidable challenge as the diverted traffic, rerouted due to the closed section, inundates the bypass. The resultant traffic jam has created a colossal queue of vehicles, caused extensive delays, and tested the patience of those caught in the gridlock.
The road closure is a strategic move aimed at expediting the Smart City work, which endeavors to modernize and reshape urban infrastructure. As a consequence, the diverted traffic is directed towards NH 748 (Kadamba Bypass Road), exacerbating congestion and resulting in a bottleneck scenario.
Sanjit Rodrigues, the Managing Director and CEO of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL), discussed the comprehensive plan for the road closure in Old Goa, in a meeting held recently. The final phase of the Smart City project, set to be completed by April 30th, 2024, involves crucial activities such as laying sewerage and gas lines to transform the envisioned smart city into a reality.
Emphasizing safety as a top priority, the IPSCDL has mandated that contractors overseeing the ongoing works implement stringent safety precautions. This includes the installation of adequate barricades, prominent signage, and sufficient lighting at all work sites to ensure the well-being of both workers and commuters affected by the temporary road closure.