Based on this figure, SWR pushes for track-doubling project
VASCO
Stating that Goa has a huge potential to enhance trade and tourism connectivity, South Western Railway (SWR) officials said that Goa is lagging behind in railway infrastructure and ranks lower among other coastal states at only 6.72 kms per lakh population.
SWR authorities pointed out that around 40 percent of tourists arrive in Goa by trains thereby justified the doubling tracking project.
A senior official of the SWR on condition of anonymity said that double-tracking besides boosting trade will enable easier and faster movement of passengers.
“Goa not only ranks lower among other coastal states in rail network infra, but there are heavy constraints due to the single line on ghat sections thus limiting the trains’ running capacity,” said the official.
The official said that as per SWR estimates, approximately 80 lakh tourists visited Goa in 2019 of which 32 lakhs (40 per cent) travelled by train.
“There is a need for Goa to enhance this ratio to create better connectivity for its people. This will not only help in improving domestic mobility but also boost tourist travel between various centres and link Goa to other states more effectively,” the official said.
The official said that since the principal economic activity of Goa is tourism, it will be a critical element in ensuring more tourists visiting Goa.
“Improving trade will benefit the State of Goa economically and the Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Balli Station is a good pilot example of this. This Park currently handles both domestic and export-import container traffic. For this trade activity to further improve and the benefits to percolate down to its local community, there is a need to improve railway infrastructure including timely completion of existing railway projects,” the official added.
