South Goa traffic cell calls for restricted movement for bauxite-laden trucks

South Goa traffic cell has lodged a complaint with the district magistrate to restrict the transportation of bauxite-laden trucks operating between the Naquerim-Betul and Vasco as it causes traffic congestions in the port area, especially during peak times.

Trucks are said to make around 220 trips throughout the day on this route with the numbers often increasing. Currently their movement is utterly unrestricted, plying from morning to late nights without any monitoring from the mining department.

Heavy-trucks cause severe bottlenecks on the streets, especially in the Navelim junction, Rawanfond junction, Arlem junction and Vasco port regions during peak hours.

According to the traffic department, more than half their resources are allotted to oversee the traffic in these regions. Parking of the trucks to acquire port permissions causes disruption on the streets which often permeates into internal roads as well.

Officials say that heavy trucks should not be allowed on the main streets between 7-9 am, 12.20-2pm and 5-6.30 pm and the number of trucks should be limited to 100 per day. They also reason that security guards or traffic marshals should be appointed along the route so that timings are strictly followed and trucks do not park on highways.