Goa, July 3 -- The newly installed automated traffic signals at the busy Navelim junction were switched off within about 40 minutes of being commissioned after they reportedly triggered severe traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded in long queues.

The signal system was activated on Wednesday in an effort to regulate traffic at the junction. However, within minutes, vehicles began piling up on roads leading to the intersection, resulting in major delays and disruption to traffic flow.

Several commuters were caught in the traffic jam, including Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar. Following complaints from motorists and local residents, the MLA directed the Margao Traffic Cell to deactivate the signals and restore the previous traffic manag...