Project Timeline: 2021- 2022

By Corporation of the City of Panaji

Themes: Pedestrianization, Mobility, Walkability, Road Safety

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The area of São Tomé Old Quarter, Fontainhas is a heritage ward of Panaji characterized by old Portuguese heritage structures, walkable lanes, and architectural details which adds to its beauty. In recent years, the increased tourism and commercialization of Fontainhas have led to a significant increase in vehicles. The narrow lanes of São Tomé Old Quarter are not designed to carry the heavy vehicular traffic volume (parking and on-road vehicles) which majorly include (tourist)rent a bike and car and non-resident cars and two-wheelers. As per the observation, it’s not only the number of vehicles has increased but also, they are violating the traffic rules and compromising the safety of residents and other pedestrians. The random and unregularized parking of vehicles in the narrow lanes creates inconvenience to the residents. The irregular parking on the street corners and at the entrances of residents creates several blind spots which result in accidents and also can lead to fatalities. As observed, many times tourist vehicles are parked in the middle of the road which obstructs the free flow of vehicles and causes congestion. Similarly, we fear that in the case of an emergency, ambulance and fire fighting vehicles may not reach in time due to the haphazard vehicular parking and congestion on the street. Old-age residents from the area face walkability issues as they cannot easily walk and cross the lanes due to fast-moving vehicles and obstructions created by parking. Further, the resident vehicles also get damaged. The situation in the area is getting deteriorated day by day with increased vehicles, traffic congestion, chances of accidents, sound and noise pollution. 

Some of the important traffic issues are mentioned below: 

1. Vehicles entering from No Entry 

2. Rent a car and other tourist drivers park haphazardly 

3. Increased congestion inside the lanes

4. Absence of any traffic-related enforcement by respective authorities

5. Disturbance to the residents and nuisance caused by people and the vehicular movement 

6. Irresponsible driving by rent a car and two-wheeler drivers 

7. Cab drivers offering tours arriving in the area with their vehicles and double parking while tourists get off for a few photographs

8. Parking at the corners creates blind spots

9. Difficulty in walking 

10. Entry of houses blocked/ obstructed by the vehicular parking 

11. Increase of cars and parking due to commercial establishments