BELAGAVI
Stating that the double tracking of the railway line between Castle-Rock and Vasco would have been implemented about 150 years ago, South Western Railway (SWR) Addl GM PK Mishra said the British didn’t want to promote development of Goa.
“The issue of double tracking would have been settled on December 26, 1878, had the British implemented the Treaty of Lisbon signed between the Portuguese and British. However, the British were against the development of Goa,” said Mishra, while addressing an online press conference on Wednesday.
Clarifying that the proposed doubling of track is in the interest of Goa and overall development of the state, he said doubling of the section would be a game changer for Goa, taking development to new heights, by giving impetus to trade and enabling easier and faster passenger movement.
While giving a brief introduction of the project and how improved connectivity can benefit state of Goa, SWR Deputy General Manager and Chief PRO E Vijaya said environment impact assessment study has been done by Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, adding there would be no cutting of trees.
“Railways are committed to environmentally-friendly development of Goa and electrification that has been sanctioned already will make trains carbon neutral. Improved connectivity can benefit Goa.”
“The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned project of doubling of railway track between Hospet (Karnataka) and Vasco (342 km) in 2010-11 at a cost of Rs 2,127 crore.”
“While majority of the track has been completed in Karnataka, 7 kms of track between Madgoan-Majorda has also been doubled,” said Vijaya, adding that about 90 kms is being taken up after ensuring necessary clearances.
“Enhancing mobility in the ghat section by eliminating constraints and an all weather rail link in the region is also being taken up during the double tracking, which is aimed at better and faster interstate connectivity,” she added.
Vijaya assured that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence, while genuine concerns of public would be addressed.
She added that execution of work will be done by liaisoning with state officials and obtaining necessary approvals and clearances from the district administration and the Goa government.
SWR officials also said 5 road bridges and 3 under bridges are also being taken up during double tracking project.
Increasing tourists, improving facilities at stations, introducing 24 coach trains, extension of platforms, conservation of greenery with planting of saplings, maintaining uniformity of the railway line are the parts of Vision 2024 for Railways. The vision of Vibrant Goa with flourishing economy can be realised only by having rail network that will take care of transport requirements of tomorrow, the officials said.
SWR officials maintained that the voice of elected representatives would be heard and double tracking would be implemented accordingly.
But when asked what decision would the SWR take as many elected political leaders have already opposed the double tracking, the SWR officials said the elected representatives need to present a united voice.
Others present at the online news conference included P K Kshatriya (Chief Project Manager, RVNL), S K Jha (Additional Divisional Railway Manager of Hubballi Division)
