KRC’s Aquem footbridge closure worries traders, taxi operators

PWD Minister Digambar Kamat inspecting the area at the Aquem side of the Margao railway station with taxi operators and small traders on Thursday.

MARGAO
Konkan Railway Corporation’s decision to shut the Aquem Foot Over Bridge for passengers on grounds it is unsafe for public use has raised concerns amongst the taxi operators and small traders eking a living outside the Margao railway station.

PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, who visited the Aquem side of the Margao railway station and had an interaction with the taxi operators and traders, assured the stakeholders that he would call for a joint meeting with the KRC officials and local stakeholders to work out a solution to the satisfaction of all concerned.

What has raised further concern amongst the taxi and small traders is that the Konkan Railway has secured the area with metal sheets, blocking the view of the passengers of the entire area while alighting from the railway station.

The stakeholders pointed out that closure of the foot over bridge and the decision to secure the station with metal sheets will deprive them of business and their very livelihood.

After giving a patient hearing, the PWD Minister said he has already spoken to KRC Chairman cum Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha in respect of the metal sheets used to secure the railway station premises. “As I am convinced that the metal sheets will block the view of the passengers, I have suggested to the KRC to dismantle the metal sheets and secure the place with wire mesh,” Kamat said.

On the decision to shut the foot over bridge, the PWD Minister said nothing can be done if the Goa Engineering College and the NIT has submitted a structural stability report certifying the footbridge as unsafe. The PWD Minister said he will hold a joint meeting with KRC officials, the District Collectorate, and affected taxi operators and traders to find an amicable solution to their concerns.