VASCO
Velsao locals on Monday confronted railway officials at Level Crossing No. 26 over the proposed overnight closure of the crossing, expressing anger over the alleged failure to inform the local Panchayat and affected communities in advance.
The Railways has scheduled the closure from 10 pm on October 12 to 5 am on October 13 to facilitate the laying of the second railway track under the ongoing double-tracking project.
Locals expressed shock that the Velsao-Pale-Issorcim Village Panchayat had allegedly not been informed about the proposed closure. They also claimed that, unlike on previous occasions, no public notice had been displayed near Level Crossing No. 26 to alert residents and road users.
Taking serious objection to the alleged lack of communication, Velsao locals, including Panch Jim D’Souza, social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, and Fishermen Association President Aliston Pinto, confronted railway officials at the site and demanded an explanation for the manner in which the closure had been scheduled.
The fishermen’s community is particularly furious over the development, as the closure could disrupt their daily operations. Fishermen claimed they were unaware of the proposed closure and raised concerns about the difficulties it could cause to their fishing-related activities.
During the confrontation, railway officials reportedly assured the locals that all necessary steps would be taken to minimise inconvenience during the closure period.
Meanwhile, Roquezinho D’Souza approached local MLA Anton Vas to keep the MLA’s office ambulance stationed near the Velsao market during the closure period to ensure emergency medical assistance for residents.
The South Goa District Collector has granted permission for the partial and temporary closure of the road to facilitate the railway work, subject to conditions concerning traffic management, diversion signage, barricading, lighting and the deployment of security personnel.
The latest development has once again brought the issue of public consultation and communication surrounding railway double-tracking works in South Goa into focus. Locals are demanding that the Panchayat, affected communities and road users be informed well in advance before such closures are undertaken.
With the overnight closure scheduled for October 12–13, residents remain concerned about disruption to daily movement, fishing-related operations and access to emergency services.
