PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Legislative Assembly that Goa’s Konkan Railway route will not be used for coal transportation.
Replying to a Calling Attention motion raised by AAP MLA Cruz Silva, Sawant recalled the initial opposition to the Konkan Railway project and reiterated that coal transport will not be associated with these routes.
“When the Konkan Railway was first introduced in Goa, there was opposition to the project. Now, once again, I assure the House that the Konkan Railway route will not be used for transporting coal,” he stated while extending support for the new station at Mayem.
The Opposition legislators raised concerns over the central government’s recent announcement for three new railway stations at Mayem, São José de Areal and Neura.
Silva argued that existing railway stations are already serving passengers in these areas, making the proposed new stations unnecessary. He added that villagers fear these stations could be used for coal transportation and other polluting materials, it could also lead to further environmental degradation if port connectivity is added.
He urged the State government to hold discussions with the Konkan Railway Corporation and the central government to provide clear information on the decision. “These proposed projects should not be granted any licenses, permissions or approvals unless concerns are addressed and all stakeholders are taken into confidence,” Silva said.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas also urged the State government to convey to the Centre that local residents are opposed to the new railway stations.
A heated exchange followed between Ruling and Opposition members when Minister Mauvin Godinho criticized the Opposition’s concerns over coal transportation, calling their claims “ridiculous.” He demanded that decorum be maintained in the House. Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar and the CM intervened to restore order.
Sawant replied that while most States welcome new railway stations, those opposing them in Goa should submit their objections in writing, which would then be forwarded to the Centre.
BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral urged Opposition members to focus on the railway station issue instead of diverting the discussion toward coal transportation.
