Panaji experienced severe traffic disruption over the weekend as large crowds attending Oktoberfest and the Ironman triathlon added to the pressure on the city's road network.

The congestion was particularly intense along the Mandovi riverfront, with vehicles piling up across the stretch connecting Miramar, Campal and the Old Secretariat. Commuters reportedly remained stuck for nearly an hour, while residents and visitors struggled to move through the area.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Corporation of the City of Panaji councillor Kabir Makhija Pinto questioned the authorities' preparedness and warned that the traffic situation could prove dangerous during a medical emergency.

Pinto said emergency access to Campal could become impossible under such circumstances, expressing frustration over the lack of traffic movement and response from the authorities.

The councillor had earlier raised the issue of holding public events in residential neighbourhoods during a CCP council meeting. He pointed out that frequent programmes at venues such as Kala Academy and football grounds create difficulties for residents due to traffic pressure, parking shortages and excessive noise.