Transport dept suggests traffic plan for Exposition, thrust on shuttle buses

Panaji: The directorate of transport has proposed an extensive traffic plan for the upcoming Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa, scheduled to take place from Nov 21 to Jan 5. This plan aims to streamline the movement of pilgrims and manage the anticipated heavy traffic around Old Goa.

The traffic plan is currently under review by the office of the chief minister, with final approval expected shortly. According to the proposed plan, passengers using Exposition shuttle buses from Ponda and Margao bus terminuses will disembark near the property of former MLA Pandurang Madkaikar. From this central point, pilgrims will be directed to two main destinations: Ela Farm and Pinto Garage. For those taking the route via Pinto Garage, buses will make a stop near the Old Goa panchayat ghar before proceeding to their final destination. Buses proceeding from Ela Farm will follow the same route.

To discourage the use of private vehicles, authorities are restricting their direct access to Old Goa. Commuters arriving at Old Goa in private vehicles will be directed to park their vehicles at designated parking spots from where shuttles will transport them to the pilgrimage site.

“The idea of the traffic plan is to limit the number of private vehicles entering Old Goa during the Exposition. To this end, the directorate of transport is focusing on creating additional parking spaces at strategic locations outside the core area,” an official said.

Three main parking sites were identified earlier, the ‘Bachia Property’ near Dempo Shipyard, Old Goa Education Society school grounds, and Montford Ground. The proposed traffic plan suggests that private vehicles be allowed to park near the helipad as well. “Buses picking up pilgrims from the helipad will proceed towards the Old Goa petrol pump and follow the same route, halting near Madkaikar’s property, before continuing on towards the ferry wharf,” the official said.

Pilgrims will be directed to park their vehicles at one of the designated parking lots and board shuttle buses to the Se Cathedral, where the relics will be displayed for veneration.

TOI reported earlier that the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has been entrusted with providing EV buses, which will specifically be smaller, 9m length buses.