Development plays an important role in the face value of a city. Goa is one of the fastest developing states in our country. In the recent years, we have seen a rapid growth in the infrastructural sector of our state. The second greenfield international airport at Mopa, a third Mandovi bridge and a new Zuari bridge are among a few recent additions to the state infrastructure. However, it is said that only after pain comes growth. The statement is appropriate in this case. The adverse effects of these changes are faced by locals.
People of all ages and belonging different strata of the society, travel from one city to another. The majority of this category include students and teachers and most of them travel by bus. The new cable-stayed Zuari bridge originates at Bambolim and ends near Verna industrial estate. This covers a huge part of the journey from Panaji to Margao. As a student, I have to spend a lot of time travelling to college. Hence, the poor road conditions in this stretch cannot go unnoticed. Post monsoon, the existing conditions of roads have aggravated due to increased number of potholes and huge cracks. The risk of meeting with an accident has surged due to this. A major setback, is that it makes the journey unpleasant.
Another issue of this matter is- traffic. Being stuck in a never-ending line of vehicles is not only provoking but also time consuming. The last phase of the new Mandovi bridge is in process. This has resulted in a lot of traffic congestion from Panaji bus stand to Merces circle. Many people are seen to be uncooperative with the traffic police. Unfortunately, the traffic dilemma is seen in other parts of the state as well. During the monsoon months, an average of one-hour journey from Panaji to Margao took two-three hours. For students and working professionals, this meant that they would return home in the late hours of evening. After a long day of hard work, facing problems like this makes one tired, frustrated, helpless and irritable. Further more, it messes up one’s time schedule. This has given rise to a few strikes and protests. The construction sites have also caused a lot of dust and pollution.
Every coin has two sides, and so does this one. Even though this subject has plenty of negative effects, it equally has a lot of advantages for the people of our beautiful state. The superstructure bridges will connect the major states of Goa. This will help cut down commute time between Panaji and Margao, and also other neighbouring cities such as Mapusa, Porvorim, Cortalim, Verna, Ponda. Another major solution is that there will be less load on the pre-existing bridges. The cable-stayed Zuari bridge will be the largest one in the entire country. The completion of these bridges will also mark a step towards a more developed Goa. Having said all of this, it only seems appropriate to appreciate the many traffic police officers who work so hard day in and day out only to provide us a smooth and safe journey. The workers too, have been putting in a lot of effort to speed up the construction process. In my opinion, development is a two-way process and will only take place if both parties cooperate. So, we as commuters and locals must do our bit too by taking necessary precautions. These may include little things such as wearing a helmet or seatbelt, not speeding, following traffic laws and cooperating with the officials. After all, it is the little things which make big differences.
