VASCO
The Vasco-Kulem passenger train which began operations from Monday has received lukewarm response and this has caused especially since the South Western Railways (SWR) had mentioned that the continuation of the passenger train would depend on the response from passengers. Locals and activists have now appealed to the SWR to continue the train service.
Social activist Vinod Kinlekar told reporters that the train catered to several students and workers who would arrive at the port town and demanded that the train service should not be discontinued.
“We have heard that the Vasco-Kulem passenger train has begun temporarily and our only demand is that the train service should be permanent because it is the safest and cheapest option amid the pandemic for several students and workers who arrive to different organizations in Vasco.” “The SWR will not be able to judge passenger response because the service has just begun. Poor passenger response for the first few days cannot be a criteria to stop the train service,” said Kinlekar.
Convenor of Goa First and AAP member Parshuram Sonurlekar said they had submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Railways Minister to start the service on a permanent basis.
“How can the passenger response be assessed while people are still working from home amid the pandemic? We have taken great efforts to get the train service resumed but this cannot be a temporary service on a trial basis.”
“We have again written to the CM because work from home criteria is still on and may affect passenger response on this train service. We have also demanded that the train run thrice a day as it was the case earlier,” said Sonurlekar.
Train will run on daily basis: Station Manager
VASCO: Vasco Railway Station Manager Ramdas Gudemane on Tuesday said the Vasco-Kulem passenger train service would run on a daily basis.
“This train will run as per the old timing and have the same stations for stoppage, but it is being run as a special train so that we get patronage from passengers.” “If we get regular passengers and ticket sales improve, we will surely run it on a daily basis. As of now, we have had lukewarm response to the Vasco-Kulem train and it may increase day by day, because many people may not be aware that the train service has begun.”
