Says proposed stations will not handle passengers or freight
KRC Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha speaks at a media briefing in Margao on Tuesday.
MARGAO
Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha on Tuesday said the Corporation has sent a proposal to the Railway Minister seeking approval to set up new railway stations in Goa to improve operations.
Responding to concerns over proposed stations at Sarzora, Neura and Mayem, Jha clarified that these are not meant for passenger or freight services. He said they are only crossing stations, planned to improve the movement of trains.
Answering media queries, Jha explained that the Konkan Railway mainly runs on a single-line route, which limits smooth train movement. “These crossing stations are only to help trains cross each other between existing stations. They will not handle passengers or goods,” he said.
He added that a detailed survey was carried out before the proposal was sent to the Railway Ministry. “We are waiting for approval and funds. Work will begin only after that,” he said.
Jha repeated that no passenger halts are planned at these locations. However, he said passenger stops could be considered in the future if there is a clear demand from users.
Referring to public objections, Jha said the concerns were due to a misunderstanding.
“Some people thought these stations were for passengers or freight, including coal. That is not true. They are only for train crossings to improve capacity,” he said.
Jha also spoke about long-term plans to increase capacity by adding more tracks. He said the route is mostly single line, with double-line sections currently between Roha–Veer (47 km) and Madgaon–Majorda (8 km). Surveys are underway to plan more double-line stretches on the Margao–Mangaluru route.
On passenger facilities, Jha said several upgrades have been made in Goa over the last three years. Executive lounges have been set up at Thivim and Madgaon, and a Rail Arcade has been opened at Madgaon. Other projects include the Lake View Restaurant at Karmali and wellness and recreation areas at Madgaon and Thivim.
He added that projects worth Rs 11.60 crore are planned over the next three years. These include better platform shelters, lifts, bio-toilets, improved flooring and traffic facility upgrades at Verna and Margao stations.
