PANAJI: Calling for an urgent rethink of large-scale event management in the capital, Panaji Councillor Jack Sukhija has demanded that mega events be shifted away from the DB Ground stretch at Campal, citing severe traffic congestion and inconvenience to local residents.
Reacting to the massive traffic jams witnessed during Oktoberfest Goa on November 1, Sukhija said the narrow DB Road stretch was unsuitable for hosting large gatherings, particularly when multiple major events were taking place in the city simultaneously.
He said the traffic situation had become so serious that residents struggled to access their homes and even emergency vehicles, including ambulances, reportedly faced difficulties navigating through the congestion.
Describing DB Road as a dangerous stretch, Sukhija warned that its narrow width, speeding vehicles and heavy traffic had already contributed to several fatal accidents.
He suggested defining mega events as gatherings involving more than 500 people at a time or requiring parking for over 250–300 vehicles. Such events, he said, should be organised at venues equipped with sufficient parking and proper transport facilities.
Sukhija proposed Patto Park and the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium as possible alternatives, highlighting their potential to accommodate larger crowds without putting additional pressure on Panaji’s congested roads.
He clarified that he was not against tourism, exhibitions or cultural activities, but insisted that event organisers must take responsibility for managing visitors, parking and transportation. Smaller events could continue at existing venues with suitable crowd and parking arrangements.
Referring to the relocation of Festa de Povo from São Tomé and Fontainhas to Patto, he said the move demonstrated how alternative venues could address residents’ concerns while ensuring better access for emergency services.
Sukhija also pointed out that the November 1 weekend saw several major events, including Ironman, Oktoberfest Goa, the Vibrant Goa Mega Summit and a seminar by Transitions Research, placing enormous pressure on the city’s road network.
He called for mandatory off-site parking, shuttle bus services and better coordination among event organisers and government departments. He cited the shuttle arrangements introduced during the Serendipity Arts Festival as a model worth following.
Questioning the effective implementation of Panaji’s Smart City command and control centre, Sukhija said intelligent traffic monitoring and coordination could help prevent such situations.
He further raised concerns about the traffic impact of upcoming projects, including the proposed ropeway, expected to bring around 2,000 people onto the roads, and the proposed 500-room luxury hotel at the old GTDC Miramar Residency site.
Urging the Corporation Commissioner, District Collector and Superintendent of Traffic Police to intervene, Sukhija called for proper assessment of venue capacity and traffic arrangements before permissions are granted for mega events.
He warned that unless authorities act now, repeated traffic congestion could lead to a serious emergency, stressing that tourism development should not come at the cost of public safety and the daily lives of Panaji residents.
