MARGAO
The erection of a height barrier on the road leading to Nessai by the South Western Railway in Sao Jose Areal triggered an uproar, as the move has affected the plying of passenger buses, resulting in parents complaining that their wards are reaching schools and colleges late.
A notice put up by the South Western Railway at the height barrier shows that the that the barrier has been erected to bar entry for traffic in view of the work in progress of the road over bridge.
The owner of the buses plying on the internal road has withdrawn the buses on the route as the height barrier does not allow the vehicles to pass. They claimed that it is not economical to ply their buses on an alternate route.
A couple of parents came to the Sao Jose de Areal to meet the Sarpanch Joycee Dias with a plea to take up the issue with the railway and South district authorities for a solution.
The sarpanch later told the media that the panchayat would take up the matter with the South Goa Collector to work out a solution keeping into account the interest of the travelling public and the students.
A parent told the media that the Railways has erected the height barrier without taking the local residents into confidence. She pointed out that due to the stoppage of buses, locals, including school and college going students were forced to undergo hardships since they have to walk long distance to catch the bus. “Since there is no bus connection after the erection of the height barrier, our wards have to wake up early and walk through a long distance to catch a bus. Similarly, they have to travel long distance while returning home. Since this situation will delay their arrival, we would like to know from the authorities who will take care of the safety of the girl students walking long distances,” questioned a parent.
