PANAJI:
GOA government has backed Konkan Railway’s proposal to build three new railway stations in the State's Sarzora, Neura, and Mayem villages stating that it will improve operational efficiency and help State to have a fast train connecting North with South Goa.
The House witnessed debate on the proposed railway stations as opposition claimed that the people from those villages have strongly raised objection to the project citing environmental concern. They also charged that the railway route may facilitate coal transportation in future.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, however, clarified that these stations are meant for operational efficiency, passenger usage only and at one point for railway crossings.
He said that the three railway stations, doubling of railway line will help boost State' fast train concept from Canacona to Pernem thus benefiting locals to large extent.
He assured the House that he would speak to Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw about increasing train stoppages at Karmali Railway Station to better serve commuters.
Earlier, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho clarified that these stations are part of the Konkan Railway's broader plan to improve efficiency and operations, and the Goa government cannot stop the project.
"The proposal is not something new. The Goa government cannot ask Konkan Railway to halt this project because it is essential for improving the efficiency and operations of the railway network," Godinho said.
He explained that several existing railway lines and blocks are saturated, leading to delays in train operations. The stations are part of a plan made in 1998 to address these issues.
Godinho also emphasized that the new stations are primarily for crossing purposes, not for passenger traffic. "The stations are needed to reduce delays, and the planning was done for operational reasons," he added.
The Goa government has already forwarded public feedback to Konkan Railway regarding the project.
St. Andre MLA Viresh Borkar raised concerns, questioning why a study wasn't conducted before the proposal and noting that locals have opposed the project. "The response from the Minister has been unsatisfactory," Borkar said.
Godinho responded by recalling the initial opposition to the Konkan Railway project, saying, "People once opposed Konkan Railway, but today they use it extensively. These new stations are meant to improve operational efficiency."
