Defunct AI traffic signal system at Merces set to be replaced

PANAJI
Months after going defunct, the AI-driven Security, Integrated Traffic Management, and eChallan System at Merces is most likely to be replaced.

Serious concerns over the neglected and non-functional traffic signal system were raised during the high-level North District Road Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, which is when the stakeholders arrived at the consensus for its replacement at the earliest.

Reliable sources revealed to 'The Goan' that the PWD has been asked to issue a fresh notice to the Beltech AI for its removal. If ignored, the district administration and police may intervene directly, with March 1 set as a tentative deadline.

"Many motorists still slow down at the junction, assuming the signal is working. This creates confusion and poses a risk to vehicles approaching from behind and from connecting roads," the source said.

The PWD had reportedly issued a removal notice in the recent past, which the vendor failed to comply with. "Now, officials are pressing for another notice, and if the agency does not act, the North District Collector and Superintendent of Police may be called upon to ensure its removal. March 1 is the tentative date for the removal," the source further said, adding that Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd could be asked to install the new system with the same technology.

Launched with much fanfare under a public-private partnership on the busy Merces junction in March 2023, the system has been inoperative for months. A traffic camera was also spotted hanging loose, and reported by The Goan last month.

Merces Junction is a critical link, connecting nearly 10 highways, roads, and service lanes.

Meanwhile, GOACAN's Roland Martins - also present at the meeting said, that the stakeholders addressed other pressing traffic and safety issues including the identification and removal of abandoned government vehicles occupying parking spaces and causing public nuisance. Strengthening enforcement against illegal hoardings along highways that pose road safety hazards, raising awareness on the use of red triangle signage for broken-down vehicles, including KTCL buses, and involving newly registered traffic wardens in road safety initiatives across North Goa were among other key topics discussed.

Authorities also focused on cracking down on illegal vendors encroaching on road shoulders at major highway junctions and implementing a dedicated drive to remove stray cattle from roads to prevent accidents.