Latest news with #NorthGoaDistrictRoadSafetyCommittee
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Dismantle faulty AI traffic signal at Merces, PWD told
Panaji: The PWD has been directed to dismantle a wrongly positioned and defunct traffic signal near Merces junction by July 4, following sharp criticism at the North Goa District Road Safety Committee meeting held on Monday. The signal, part of a much-hyped AI-based traffic management system launched in March 2023 by Beltech AI Pvt Ltd, caused confusion among motorists due to its incorrect placement and months of non-functioning. Monday's action comes after the additional collector-I rejected the PWD's proposal to delay removal until fresh tender approvals were secured. Sources said the initial plan was to replace the signal under a new tender, but growing complaints forced the department's hand. 'Some motorists even threatened to file a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, for 'deficiency of service',' sources said. The district magistrate's office first flagged the issue this March, instructing the PWD to remove the non-functional signal that was out of order for over three months at the time, saying it 'will not serve any purpose'. Launched in March 2023, the AI traffic signal system was part of a pilot project to improve road safety through AI-enabled surveillance, automatic detection of traffic violations, challan generation, and traffic pattern analysis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The initiative showed early signs of success — speeding violations dropped sharply from 5,265 in June 2023 to 1,891 by May 2024. Between June 1 and Dec 31, 2023, the system helped the traffic cell and transport department collect around Rs 2.2 crore in fines. From Jan to May 31, 2024, an additional Rs 48.6 lakh was collected, taking the total revenue generated to about Rs 2.7 crore. Despite its promising start, the system faced operational hiccups. A technical glitch in Feb and March 2024 halted its functioning, while the defunct signal near Merces emerged as a prominent irritant for motorists navigating the busy junction. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Panel to lay thrust on animal rescue during accidents
Panaji: The North Goa District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) will focus on rescuing injured animals on roads and enhancing public safety mechanisms. During the recently held DRSC meeting, officials emphasised the urgent need to tackle the increasing number of road accidents involving stray cattle. In partnership with the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services, the committee resolved to create and distribute awareness material aimed at informing citizens about procedures and protocol for rescuing injured animals found on the roads. The burial of stray cattle, dogs, and other animals is the mandate of local civic bodies. There is a provision under the Goa Stray Cattle Management Scheme 2013 (Amended) and the Goa Small Animal Rescue Management Scheme 2014 (Amended) for the burial of injured animals that die after rescue, and impounding by animal welfare organisations. However, most panchayats in Goa have not availed of this scheme. Often, animals that are victims of roadkill are buried by panchayats with the help of manual labour. TOI reported on April 17 that state govt is in the process of implementing a comprehensive cattle control policy . The proposed measures include installing approximately 300 km of chain-link mesh fencing along national highways, state, and district roads — specifically in areas prone to cattle movement. The fencing plan will incorporate human-access gates to ensure local accessibility while restricting cattle entry onto roadways. The DRSC is also studying new modalities to offer financial compensation to road accident victims, particularly those who suffer permanent disabilities. The proposal includes increasing the compensation amount for fatalities, to be processed through the directorate of transport.
