The picture of an EV bus of Kadamba Transport Corporation that halted on the zebra crossing at Panaji market is quite telling
(O Heraldo 12.11.2024). Let us be fair. Even private bus drivers park in a similar manner. This leaves no chance for the pedestrians to safely cross the road. There are several blunders near the market. Firstly, the zebra crossing is marked where the road curves and vehicles turn at high speed and drivers and people are unable to see one another. Secondly, buses halt at the Smart bus shelter which is built at the end of the zebra crossing! Thirdly, the traffic signals do not work or these show red for a long time while green flashes for a second or both the lights remain on. Fourthly, hordes of people cannot stand on the 3 or 4 cement dividers to cross the road.
The issues could be resolved by marking the zebra crossing, installing working traffic signals and moving the bus shelter just opposite the ESG where the road is relatively straight and wide. Another point is, private buses never halt at Kala Academy bus shelter but just after the signals and opposite to the Academy’s gates. This leads to confusion and traffic jam. Traffic cops are needed as this is a crucial junction with multiple diverging roads.