MARGAO
Making a plea to the activists not to mix coal and track-doubling issues with developmental projects, panchayat representatives of Curtorim, Sao Jose de Areal and Guirdolim along with MLA Clafacio Dias on Monday urged the railways to expedite work on the road overbridge over the railway tracks, connecting Curtorim to Chandor.
While MLA Clafacio has vowed to get the road overbridge completed by personally standing near the site, Curtorim Deputy Sarpanch Simon Barretto demanded that Superintendent of Police-South Pankaj Kumar Singh provide police protection to the railways to complete the road overbridge as per schedule.
Curtorim Sarpanch Milagres Rodrigues, outgoing Sarpanch Rui Menezes, Sao Jose de Areal Sarpanch Miguel Gomes and outgoing sarpanch Vincy Mascarenhas and Guirdolim Deputy Sarpanch Brian Pereira made a strong demand for the early completion of the road overbridge, saying it will benefit the people of Guirdolim and neighbouring areas.
The MLA along with the panchayat representatives descended near the road overbridge on Monday a day after a group of persons reportedly stopped the work at the site on Sunday.
The Cuncolim MLA said he was called by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd Project Manager, Sahoo, informing that some persons had stopped the work of the overbridge on Sunday. “I was shocked to hear the news since there’s no link between coal, double-tracking and the road overbridge.”
“People of Guirdolim and Chandor had been suffering for 40 years now due to the closure of the railway crossing. We had asked for an underpass at the Chandor railway crossing and a road overbridge near the Chandor-Curtorim border to benefit the people. Work on the two projects have started, but some persons stopped the road overbridge work on Sunday. I will order an inquiry and demand action,” Clafacio warned.
Guirdolim Deputy Sarpanch Brian Pereira said the Panchayat is fully supporting the road overbridge since the project is linked to the underpass under construction. “When the underpass gets completed by February next year, the railway crossing will be closed for traffic. I fail to understand what is the relationship between coal agitation and the road overbridge. Guirdolim gram sabha had adopted a resolution around a year and a half ago in favour of the underpass,” he said, while adding that Guirdolim will strongly support the flyover.
Curtorim Sarpanch Milagres Rodrigues came out in favour of the road overbridge, saying the people of Curtorim and neighbouring villages will stand by the Cuncolim MLA to complete the project.
Areal Sarpanch Miguel Gomes also echoed similar sentiments. He said the bridge will benefit the people and those raising objections should think twice. “Double-tracking and coal issues should not be mixed with development,” he added.
Outgoing Curtorim ZP member Moreno Rebello said the road overbridge is a necessity and those opposing the same should think twice.
