the goan I network
VASCO
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha on Wednesday said that she was not against any development but would stand with the residents on the double tracking issue.
Saldanha was speaking to reporters after flagging off of the bi-weekly train between Vasco and Belagavi by Union Minister of State for Railways, Suresh Angadi and Union Ayush Minister Shripad Naik from Vasco railway station.
Angadi after flagging off the train had said that double tracking of railway track was vital to the economy of the State as well. Angadi had also requested the State government to provide land for double tracking of the railway tracks.
“The Railways will also help in carrying cargo goods from Goa to other states and as such the project of double tracking is important. I appeal to the State government and it’s MPs to offer land as early as possible for double tracking. As long as Goa does not give us land, this project is not possible. The Railways connectivity is more important for the nation. Double tracking requires 150 hectares land and we have only 2.5 hectares available. After double tracking, mines and coal, etc can be transported and this will boost State economy and also provide more employment opportunity. In case any one loses their house, we will compensate them or either we will decide if the course of the tracks can be taken from the side land by avoiding the houses,” said Angadi.
When questioned about the double tracking issue, Saldanha said that Goa was only a dot and half the size of any district in states like Maharashtra and Karantaka and hence in certain areas, double tracking was not possible.
“I think Angadi had been very practical that the double tracking depends on the State government and the people. We are not against development but so many issues have to be considered. Looking at present existent tracks, doubling of tracks in certain areas is not possible. I had taken the officials of SWR to measure where the double tracks would come and most would land on the door steps of houses along the route which means it will be destruction of these houses, some of which are heritage houses showcasing the Goan culture,” said Saldanha.
“There are railway tracks and houses on either side and this is the picture throughout the villages and there is no land available for double tracking and if there was land available, we could have tried it and there is no way we can avoid the destruction of the houses all along the route. I have to be with the people as I represent the constituency and there have been many people who have already approached me to save their houses. There are also heritage houses that are over 500 years old and speak of history and most of the houses have built up areas of over 1200 sq mtrs and there can be no way we can replace these houses in exchange,” added Saldanha.
