Danger zone for pedestrians

PANAJI: The steady stream of traffic on national highway 17 on the Porvorim stretch accelerates after negotiating the slope on Mandovi bridge. Commuters and pedestrians trying to cross over at journalists colony and the police station in Porvorim face great difficulty, as motorists irked by the slow climb after crossing the bridge decide to step up on the gas and make up for lost time.
Pedestrians alighting from the western side of both bus stops have to dart across the first hurdle as Mapusa-bound traffic moves at breakneck speed. After crossing to the road divider, pedestrians then have to bide their time for the slowing down of Panaji-bound traffic on the other side.
The location of a huge traffic island and traffic diverting into the journalist colony from the highway adds to the confusion, as it slows down the flow of traffic, particularly on the eastern side of the thoroughfare. While bus bays on the western side and near Porvorim police station help reduce congestion, the bus stop near journalists colony creates a bottle neck near the circle.
A footbridge for commuters is ideal, as this is a danger zone for pedestrians. A zebra crossing will also help till a better arrangements are worked out.
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