Panaji: The Goa police traffic cell has directed the PWD to divert vehicles travelling from Calangute and Saligao towards Bambolim and South Goa to the elevated corridor via Guirim to reduce the traffic burden on Porvorim roads.In a letter to the PWD, the traffic cell said vehicles travelling from Calangute and Saligao towards Bambolim and South Goa currently have no access to the elevated corridor or Atal Setu.“These vehicles have to travel via Chogm Road, NH 66 at Porvorim, and proceed further via the new Mandovi bridge. This puts an additional burden on the roads in Porvorim and the new Mandovi bridge,” the traffic cell said.To ease congestion on Porvorim roads and ensure better utilisation of the elevated corridor and Atal Setu, it has been decided to allow vehicles, except two-wheelers, travelling from Calangute and Saligao towards Bambolim and South Goa to access the elevated corridor from Guirim.The traffic cell said the vehicles would be diverted from Chogm Road at two locations: near Freedom Tree Hotel at Sangolda and opposite Wellness pharmacy at Porvorim.“Vehicles diverted from Freedom Tree Hotel will proceed via Sai Baba Temple, Sangolda, to reach Guirim Cross underpass and access the elevated corridor. Similarly, vehicles from Chogm Road can take a left turn near Wellness pharmacy, proceed via New ODP Road, join NH 66 and head towards Guirim Cross underpass. They can then take a right turn to access the elevated corridor for their onward journey,” the traffic cell said.The traffic cell said the arrangement would reduce traffic on the existing road network in Porvorim and benefit commuters travelling from Calangute and Saligao.It has also requested the PWD to install directional signboards at specified locations with the wording: “Way to Elevated Corridor for motorists (except two-wheelers) travelling to Dabolim airport, Margao, Vasco, Ponda and Bambolim.”Despite the elevated corridor being opened to traffic, vehicles continue to move slowly on Porvorim roads due to traffic from the coastal belt. The influx of vehicles registered outside Goa during the tourist season is one of the reasons for the congestion, as most of them are headed towards Calangute, a senior police officer said.
