Vehicles Parked for Over 8 Days on Roads Will Be Scrapped to tackle traffic congestion and road safety issues
Vehicles Parked for Over 8 Days on Roads Will Be Scrapped to tackle traffic congestion and road safety issues
Goa: CM Pramod Sawant announces bold traffic reforms, crackdown on illegal rentals and abandoned vehicles
In a major move to tackle traffic congestion and road safety issues, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Thursday that vehicles parked in the same spot on public roads for more than eight days will be deemed abandoned and sent directly for scrapping.
Speaking after inaugurating the Traffic Police Cell at Fatorda, Sawant said, “Notices will be sent to the parties concerned, and if vehicles are not removed within eight days, action will be taken. The original owner will not be able to claim the vehicle thereafter.”
The state has already seized 250 such abandoned vehicles in Panaji alone. Sawant pointed out that the issue is particularly severe on recently widened roads and warned of strict action against roadside garages that contribute to the problem by leaving vehicles unattended on the streets.
Illegal Rentals Under Scanner
The crackdown extended to the illegal rental vehicle market as well. Police have taken action against 550 private vehicles operating illegally as rentals, and reports have been submitted to the transport department recommending cancellation of their licences.
Sawant revealed alarming statistics, Goa records around 365 accident deaths annually, with over 70% of the victims being not at fault. Rental vehicles, especially cars and bikes, were cited as the major culprits. Pedestrians make up nearly 50% of these fatalities, and the state reportedly sees one to two road deaths every day.
Improving Public Transport & Road Infrastructure
To address Goa’s high vehicle density, the highest people-to-vehicle ratio in India, the chief minister stressed the need to strengthen public transport infrastructure. Key initiatives include:
- Expanding the Mhaji Bus network
- Deploying Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) buses on internal roads
- Launching new bus routes to industrial estates, villages, and towns
- Extending services to remote areas
To reduce bottlenecks, Sawant announced plans for an elevated overbridge at Verna junction following inspections by the PWD and traffic authorities. He also said smart traffic signals with integrated CCTV cameras will be introduced to detect and penalize traffic violations in real-time.
The state government’s firm stance reflects a broader push for disciplined parking, improved safety, and better transport infrastructure, all aimed at making Goa’s roads safer and more efficient.
