High Court steps in to ease congestion on central Panaji thoroughfare
The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of persistent traffic congestion on D.B. Bandodkar Road in Panaji and issued interim directions aimed at improving traffic movement and pedestrian safety along the busy stretch.
"The court ordered measures to improve traffic movement and pedestrian safety," the order said.
In its directions, the court has specified a package of immediate interventions to be implemented on the stretch from Uza Circle to the river ferry point. The measures, detailed by the bench, are intended to decongest the road that links several central Panaji landmarks and services.
Key measures to be implemented
- Installation of barricades along the stretch from Uza Circle to the river ferry point to streamline vehicular movement.
- Marking of six to seven zebra crossings to facilitate safer pedestrian movement.
- A complete parking ban from the petrol pump area up to Panaji Church to reduce roadside stoppages.
- Designated drop-off points near the old Fajen section for visitors to casinos, preventing unauthorised stopping.
- Strengthening of CCTV surveillance and deployment of AI-based number-plate monitoring to assist enforcement.
- Deployment of police personnel until 9 pm along the stretch to ensure compliance with traffic rules.
The court has emphasised that these are interim measures and has scheduled a review of implementation after four weeks, when authorities will be required to report progress. The order did not prescribe permanent engineering changes but focused on operational steps to give immediate relief.
Officials to enforce casino-related regulations and parking restrictions
The directions specifically address traffic associated with the riverfront casinos in Panaji. Visitors and vehicles connected to casino operations have been instructed to use the designated drop-off points near the old Fajen section instead of stopping at unauthorised locations along D.B. Bandodkar Road. The court said this step is necessary to prevent erratic stopping and pick-up activity that contributes to bottlenecks during peak hours.
Police deployment until 9 pm reflects the court's concern over evening congestion. Strengthened CCTV and AI-driven number-plate recognition are expected to assist enforcement agencies in identifying repeat offenders and managing parking violations in real time.
Implications for commuters, businesses and local authorities
The interim directives will affect a range of road users: daily commuters who use D.B. Bandodkar Road to access central Panaji, pedestrians crossing to markets and municipal services, and businesses that have relied on roadside parking. While the parking ban and barricading are likely to improve through-traffic, they may require commuters to adjust drop-off and pick-up routines and seek alternative parking.
Local authorities will need to coordinate between the Panaji municipal administration, traffic police and tourism stakeholders to ensure the designated drop-off points for casinos are operational and signposted. Rapid installation of marked zebra crossings and CCTV equipment will be necessary for the four-week review to show measurable progress.
| Measure | Expected effect |
|---|---|
| Barricading Uza Circle to ferry point | Better lane discipline and reduced weaving |
| Six–seven zebra crossings | Improved pedestrian safety and regulated crossing points |
| Parking ban (petrol pump to Panaji Church) | Reduction in roadside stoppages and smoother traffic flow |
| CCTV and AI number-plate monitoring | Improved enforcement and potential deterrence |
The court's order leaves room for authorities to propose further engineering solutions, but the immediate focus is on enforcement and operational controls. The four-week review will determine whether additional long-term measures — such as road redesign, formalised loading/unloading bays or changes to traffic signal timings — should be recommended.
Residents and commuters in Panaji can expect visible enforcement activity and new traffic arrangements along D.B. Bandodkar Road in the coming days. The court's directions place the onus on local authorities to deliver tangible improvements within the stipulated timeframe.
