Locals seek ban on night entry of heavy vehicles at Bicholim

Bicholim: Bicholim locals have demanded a ban on giant trailers carrying goods that pass through the town at night. They said the turn near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue circle lacks space, which has led to damage to the circle’s railing by an unknown heavy vehicle at night.

Locals said the side railing has been damaged several times by heavy trucks. The issue was initially resolved after vehicles were diverted to the new Vathadev-Vhalshim bypass. However, many drivers fail to identify the bypass entrance at night and directly enter Bicholim town.

The trucks negotiating the turn near the Shivaji Maharaj circle either enter the no-entry zone—endangering pedestrians and other motorists—or take the proper route but end up damaging the circle’s side railing.

Resident Vinay Kapadi said it is embarrassing to see that the authorities concerned have failed to sort out this issue.

Local councillor Aniket Chanekar has urged the Bicholim traffic cell to deploy police at night to divert heavy vehicles to the bypass or make other arrangements to help drivers identify the bypass entrance.