Panaji: Goa police’s traffic cell is currently facing a 40% shortage of personnel for traffic management as compared to the vehicular population. The cell stated that the development of additional multi-level parking facilities, designated parking zones, and effective parking management systems are essential to address the growing demand and improve overall traffic flow and road safety.The cell has informed the Supreme Court committee on road safety that the present vehicle population in Goa is 14.6 lakh, and as per bureau of police research and development (BPRD) norms, the recommended strength is one cop for every 1,000 registered vehicles.“Presently, Goa traffic police have 744 police personnel posted, which has to be filled with 645 additional police personnel. In addition, there are 272 home guards attached to different traffic cells,” the cell told the committee at a review meeting.
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On mass transit public transport system, the cell called for a high-capacity public transportation network designed to move large numbers of people efficiently, safely, and economically. This reduces dependence on private vehicles, eases traffic congestion, lowers pollution, and provides affordable mobility for the public, it said.The cell said that there should be a dedicated truck terminus for the parking, staging, loading, unloading, and servicing of heavy commercial vehicles (trucks). It could also serve as a logistics hub where trucks can halt safely before proceeding to their destinations.It said that there is a need to enhance driving skills through structured training is critical for road safety—“the establishment of integrated driver training centers (IDTR) or regional driver training centers (RDTC) in Goa, in line with MoRTH guidelines”. These centers will provide structured, high-quality training and scientific driver assessment, ensuring that drivers meet safety and competence standards before obtaining licenses,” the cell said.It also said that there should be a traffic simulator, a computer-based or virtual training system, that recreates real-world traffic conditions to provide safe and realistic training in driving skills, traffic management, and road safety. It enables users to experience various road, weather, and traffic scenarios without any real-world risk.Major cities and towns in Goa, including Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco da Gama, and Ponda, are experiencing a significant shortage of parking spaces due to the rapid increase in the number of vehicles, limited availability of land and high commercial activity, it said.“The development of additional multi-level parking facilities, designated parking zones, and effective parking management systems are essential to address the growing demand and improve overall traffic flow and road safety,” it said.
