Dedicated Goa-Tirupathi train by Jan-end
Photo Credits: More people will be attracted to Goa, if infrastructure and services improved: Prabhu
CURCHOREM
Railway network in the State is poised for a big boost as Union Minister Suresh Prabhu unveiled 3 major projects at a function held at Curchorem on Sunday.
Prabhu flagged off three major railway projects -- doubling project of railway line from Margao to Collem, laying foundation stone for four railway over bridges between Verna to Margao section of Konkan Railway and launching the work of Adarsh Railway station at Sanvordem-Curchorem.
The four railway overbridges will benefit villages from surrounding areas of Cansaulim, Utorda, Nuvem, Majorda, Benaulim, Colva and Margao. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 145 crore. The Adarsh Railway station will have a toilet complex, canteen and drinking water facilities, etc, while the doubling of railway line will benefit many locals.
Stating that expansion of existing infrastructure and improvement in standard of railway services is the main objective, Prabhu said more people from the country and outside country will be attracted to visit Goa only if infrastructure and services are improved.
Prabhu said Goa is popular as a tourist destination all over the world. “Much can be done to attract more tourists and to improve the flow of transport if existing railway infrastructure is expanded.”
“From last two years, we are focusing on improvement of railway services and also to improve infrastructure as per the growing needs, so that it can be useful in coming years.”
“We are also trying to build railway overbridges for people's convenience and for their safety. If doubling of railway lines is done, then more passengers can travel and simultaneously cargo movement can also be done, which will bring revenue to the government,” he added.
He said he will set up a 'Railway Transformation Centre', where people and some railway officials can give suggestions and ways to improve the quality of services and issues pertaining to railways.
Speaking on the request made by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, Prabhu assured that a special train would ply from Curchorem to Tirupathi from end of January 2017.
In his address, South Goa MP Adv Narendra Sawaikar said the Kalay railway overbridge project was taken up by the Konkan Railways sometime back, and he requested Minister Prabhu to start and complete the work quickly.
He also appreciated Minister Prabhu for listening to the grievances of the locals on social media and attending to it immediately. He requested the minister to start a train from Curchorem to Mumbai via Miraj, as people had to go to Margao to board the train to Mumbai.
MLA Cabral demanded a special railway division for Goa, as presently everything is controlled and operated by Hubli division. He also emphasised that if special division for Goa is made, then Goans will also get an opportunity to get jobs.
