PANAJI
The commissioning of the Hospet-Londa-Tinaighat-Vasco da Gama railway line doubling project has sparked a political storm in Goa with Opposition parties accusing the BJP governments at the Centre and in the State of pushing the coastal State into becoming a coal corridor.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called the double-tracking plan a “shameful betrayal” while slamming the “double engine government” for stifling citizens’ voices through police complaints and intimidation.
“Now, the Centre has admitted the project is coal-driven. This exposes the lies of the State government,” he said.
The Union Railway Ministry, through social media on Sunday, confirmed that 312 km of the 363 km line has been commissioned. It stated the objective is to expedite the transportation of coal, iron ore and steel, apart from improving rail connectivity for tourism between Goa and Hampi. While the Karnataka stretch is complete, the Goa segment is pending forest clearance as it cuts through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes lashed out at the project, labelling the State government as a ‘sold out sarkar’.
“The people of Goa have fought tooth and nail to block double-tracking because coal is choking our lungs and destroying livelihoods. We will continue to oppose coal transportation,” he said as he pressed for returning Mormugao Port Authority’s control to the public sector.
Congress President Amit Patkar recalled that former chief minister Manohar Parrikar had openly opposed the project, declaring it was meant for coal transport and driven by vested interests. “Parrikar had admitted that two companies were pushing this project through bribes. Who is lying now? Parrikar or Chief Minister Pramod Sawant,” he asked.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas too echoed Patkar’s views, accusing the BJP of betraying the vision of late Manohar Parrikar. “The ruling party has now turned it into 'BJPeek Kolso Zai,' to suit corporate interests,” he alleged, a claim which was further supported by AAP State President Amit Palekar, who stated that this is not about Goans, but Adani. “They are playing with our future. Goans must wake up before it is too late,” Palekar said.
Patkar also demanded that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclose the names of the companies behind the proposal.
Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai accused the government of misleading the public by repeatedly denying the coal link. “The Railways’ own statement proves what people feared all along. While Mormugao already suffers from coal pollution, villages from Velsao to Collem will face devastation. This is nothing but environmental destruction in the name of development,” he charged.
Revolutionary Goans Party leader Manoj Parab also joined the chorus, warning that Goa’s natural heritage and tourism industry will be sacrificed for coal logistics. “The government has lied to the people. The truth is out, and Goans will resist this destruction,” he said.
