Ribandar junction needs a revamp

GOA: The Ribandar junction at the end of the almost three-km-long Ponte de Linhares causeway is like a gateway to Old Goa, Chimbel and other areas beyond. At one stage before the Old Goa bypass was built, the 381-year-old bridge was the only direct route to Ponda from Tiswadi. Though the junction now sees less flow of traffic, as heavy vehicles and some motorists prefer the bypass, the situation is still chaotic here on the riverfront.
The Ribandar fish market is on the Panaji side of the creek, but fish vendors sit near the bus stop on the sharp curve in the northern direction. Vegetable vendors crowd both sides of the small stretch at a dangerous spot of the junction on the narrow and serpentine Chimbel road. Vehicles literally run over their feet, as motorists and drivers pass by the small market. Traffic coursing along the bridge towards Ribandar from Panaji easily takes the lane on the riverfront, but buses stopping in the corner, cause obstruction to movement of vehicles towards Old Goa.
Those vehicles diverting from the bridge towards Chimbel, clash with the traffic from Old Goa. If a Panaji-bound bus is parked on the starting point of the Linhares bridge, it adds to the confusion. Pedestrians find it difficult to cross the road during peak hours. Tourist vehicles often go up the wrong lane towards the chapel, creating a hazardous situation. It would be better to shift the bus stop for Panaji-bound buses on the western side of the creek towards Panaji, as it is barely 50m across. The old market should be renovated and thrown open for business.