Temporary order restricts taxis to designated spots
PANAJI
Tourist taxi operators have now been barred from parking their vehicles in 'public parking spaces' in the capital city of Panaji and will have to use only those spaces notified and designated for them.
An order to this effect was issued by Additional District Magistrate North Goa, Mahadev Araundekar, who has however mentioned that the order is "temporary" and its tenure will be concurrent with the period taken to complete all the ongoing smart city work.
Araundekar's order debars tourist taxis from being parked in general public parking slots. They have been directed to park only in "designated" parking areas.
In another part of the order, Arondekar has said, that the tourist taxis will not be permitted to halt and park on the sides of Panaji city roads for more than three minutes either to pick up or drop tourists/clients.
Araundekar has invoked powers under sections 116 and 117 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and on the recommendations of the Superintendent of Police (Traffic) to issue the order. He is currently holding charge as North Goa Collector.
He has also directed the DySP (Traffic), Altinho to take the necessary steps, including publicising the order and erecting signages across the city.
Meanwhile, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited has opened to traffic the hitherto closed sections of the MG Road from the Bank of Baroda-GCCI junction to the Don Bosco junction.
In a press release, IPSCDL said the extensive roadwork in Central Panaji is progressing steadily and 'phase 3' is nearing completion just in time for the Carnival parade celebration. "To facilitate the festive season, traffic movement has been partially restored on Phase 3 roads where work began on February 8 and is in its final stages," the IPSCDL said.
The Phase 3 covers stretches of the MG Road, General Benard Guedes Road and other adjunct roads and bylanes aggregating 1,415 metres.
Meanwhile, Phase 4 work will begin on March 1 covering 530 metres along MG Road (from Old Patto Bridge to Liberty Showroom) and additional stretches may be included as needed to enhance connectivity. March 31 will be the target date for completion of this work.
"The final two phases -- 5 and 6 -- will focus on bituminous concrete paving, road painting, landscaping and tree plantation, scheduled between May and June 2025," IPSCDL said.
