VASCO
Assuring that no house will be affected by the double tracking work, South Western Railway officials have said the tracks will be moved on the eastern side to save houses along the track.
The announcement was made after Cortalim MLA Anton Vas along with locals and railway officials visited the affected areas in parts of Velsao and Cansaulim, and also inspected various sites for a proposed underpass at Cansaulim.
"Cortalim MLA Anton Vas told us about the many objections and he gave us some suggestions to resolve the issue for the benefit of locals. We are examining the suggestions and considering sites for construction of an underpass at Cansaulim,” said a Railways official.
“We are also planning to lay the tracks on the eastern side, which is in the opposite side, so as to save the structures coming along the tracks. No structure will be touched after we will move the tracks on the platform side," said the official.
Speaking to reporters, Cortalim MLA Anton Vas said he had met the villagers affected by double tracking along with the railway authorities.
“I listened to their difficulties. Many people demanded walls, bypass road and improved drainage, besides other issues. Some people in Cansaulim want an underpass while some others want an overbridge. I will meet the Railways and work out a feasible solution.”
“As of now, the Railways have said they will try and align the tracks and shift the tracks on the eastern side and in case this happens, they say none of the houses will be affected along the tracks," said Vas.
Cansaulim Sarpanch Savio Periera said an underpass was the need of the hour.
"Many people have to move to the other side and many a times, students and old citizens have to cross the tracks while going to school or Church. We are trying to propose an underpass at two vital locations in the village," said Pereira.
Former Velsao Panch Roquezinho D'Souza said they too are opposed to coal pollution.
“We have now asked MLA Anton Vas to suggest that this stretch be made no-horn zone so that the trains don't blare horns and people can sleep peacefully. We have also suggested that the speed of trains be reduced to curtail vibration and also to prevent overloading of wagons to reduce coal pollution,” said D’Souza.
