Panaji: The Merces gram sabha has passed a resolution demanding the immediate removal of the AI-enabled traffic signal at Merces circle, near Atal Setu, and construction of a flyover from the existing bridge to ease traffic congestion in the area.The resolution was passed following complaints from residents that the newly introduced AI-based traffic signal system is worsening congestion instead of easing it. According to residents, the signal allows vehicles travelling from Merces towards Panaji less than 15 seconds to cross the junction, resulting in long queues and delays, particularly during peak hours.Sarpanch Susant Govekar said that the traffic situation had become more difficult following the increased movement of VIP vehicles and civic force vehicles to the area after the establishment of the new court premises.He said residents were increasingly being forced to wait for convoys and other official vehicles to pass through the junction, causing inconvenience to residents.“Being forced to wait till these vehicles pass is already inconveniencing the locals. We feel that even emergency services will be affected,” the sarpanch said.The panchayat has written to the North Goa collector seeking intervention in the matter. Govekar said the panchayat had also approached Congress’s Amit Palekar, who is a native of Merces, requesting him to take up the issue with the authorities.“Widening the existing village roads may not be a practical solution because of the built-up nature of the area. The gram sabha has therefore proposed a flyover extending from the existing bridge as a long-term solution to accommodate the increasing volume of traffic without further disrupting village roads,” Govekar said.
