PANAJI: The Commissioning of the Tinaighat-Vasco Da Gama double-tracking line & Union Railway Ministry's subsequent admission that the project will boost coal transportation have triggered sharp backlash from the opposition in Goa, who have slammed the double-engine government for its effort to make the coastal State a "coal hub".
The Union Railway Ministry announced on its social media handle on Sunday the commissioning of 312 km of the total 363 km project, aimed at speeding up the transportation of coal, iron ore, and steel, while also boosting tourism in Goa and Hampi. Sources said work in Karnataka is complete, but the Goa segment remains pending forest clearance, as the line passes through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
The opposition parties including Congress, Goa Forward Party and AAP, have come down heavily on the government, accusing it of betraying the people of Goa. The Congress has sought an appointment with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the matter.
South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes has described the project as a betrayal, labelling the State government a “Sold Out Sarkar.”
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar recalled Parrikar’s stand that the Goa government had previously rejected the double-tracking project because it was intended solely for coal transport, pushed by two firms allegedly through bribes. Patkar questioned CM Pramod Sawant: “Who is lying? You or Parrikar?” He also demanded that Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reveal the names of the two companies behind the project.
Patkar added, “Goans have consistently opposed the destructive double-tracking project. The Congress Party stands firmly with the people in this fight and will continue to resist any attempt to turn Goa into a coal hub.” He confirmed that he, along with Congress MLAs and the South Goa MP, intends to meet the Union Railway Minister personally to convey public objections and stress that “Goa will not allow its environment, health, and identity to be compromised.”
GFP Chief Vijai Sardesai criticised the BJP government, calling it a betrayal of public trust and the late CM Manohar Parrikar’s vision. He said the acquittal of Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho in the Power Rebate Scam revealed how “the prosecution itself was weakened to serve the party machinery,” adding that Parrikar’s opposition to the double-tracking project has been“fully and finally buried by the double-engine government.”
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas accused the BJP of acting against Parrikar’s vision as well, while AAP Chief Amit Palekar slammed the party over the double-tracking project, asserting, “BJP is not concerned about Goa or Goans; it is more interested in serving Adani. We want the people of Goa to wake up.”
