Trucks parked on roadsides cause obstruction, danger to traffic
Pay parking is available for only a few trucks in the premises of Sanjeevani Sugar Factory.
THE GOAN NETWORK
PONDA
With four industrial estates located in Kundaim, Usgao, Bethora and Marcaim, hundreds of trucks ply along different routes in Ponda taluka on a daily basis.
Despite the vital role played by these trucks in transporting goods worth crores of rupees, there is no full-fledged terminus for these trucks. Even basic facilities like washrooms for truck drivers and cleaners are not available.
In the absence of a proper truck terminus, trucks are found parked by the roadsides in Curti, Dhavali, Bethora and Usgao areas, causing an obstruction and danger to other traffic.
Besides truck operators, locals have also been demanding the establishment of a full-fledged truck terminus, given the dangerous parking of trucks by the roadsides.
According to locals, several accidents have occurred in the past due to parking of heavy vehicles or when drivers suddenly move their trucks, which were parked by the roadsides, on the main road.
Locals have also complained that truck drivers travelling to and from the four industrial estates in Ponda taluka do not have access to toilets and washroom facilities, forcing truck drivers to answer nature’s calls by the roadside leading to stench in the area.
According to sources, transport contractors have submitted many representations to the government in the past demanding a full-fledged truck terminus.
Sources said some transport contractors had made efforts to get a truck terminus after meeting with different ministers.
A pay-parking facility has been currently provided in the premises of Sanjeevani Sugar Factory, but only a limited number of trucks can be accommodated in the premises.
Two years ago, the government had started the process of allocating 2 lakh square meters of Sanjeevani Sugar Factory for a truck terminus. However, the project is yet to take shape.
“The government should provide better facilities for interstate truck drivers, as they face inconvenience in the absence of necessary facilities,” said Vinod Bhanushali, a youth from Ponda.
“If a truck terminal is set up, accidents will be controlled in the area.”
All Goa Heavy Transport Association Secretary Nagraj Naidu said there is a dire need for a truck terminus in Goa.
“Heavy vehicles enter the State in large numbers at night. As there is no truck terminus, drivers have no option but to park their vehicles by the roadsides. When accidents take place, truck drivers are held responsible. Several meetings have been held with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other ministers,” said Naidu.
