VASCO
Consumer rights body GOACAN has raised serious concerns over a recent public notice issued by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), warning road users about the energisation of 25,000 Volt 50 Hz AC overhead traction wires along the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) siding of the South Western Railway.
The notice stated that the overhead traction lines would be energised from September 5, 2025, or any date thereafter, and should be treated as “live”. It also cautioned road users about height restrictions and the danger posed by vehicles carrying loads of excessive height.
In a letter addressed to Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mormugao, Bhagwant Karmali, GOACAN highlighted the need for wider dissemination of these safety guidelines to prevent accidents. “Such a notification directly involves the safety of persons using railway lines as well as road users, including tourist vehicle owners,” said GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins.
“It is not enough to publish these warnings in newspapers. The information must reach all relevant authorities and the general public, especially in Mormugao taluka where traffic movement is heavy and diverse.”
Martins pointed out that several departments and agencies must be alerted to the implications of the notice.
“We have requested the SDM to ensure that the Mormugao Municipal Council, PWD, District Police, Electricity Department, Transport Department, Traffic Police, and Fire & Emergency Services are informed in detail about these developments,” he said.
“If not addressed immediately, the lack of awareness could result in accidents leading to loss of life and limb.”
GOACAN has also stressed the importance of visible safety measures on the ground.
“The appropriate safety signage must be installed wherever required so that road users are clearly warned of the dangers. Merely issuing a public notice is not enough,” Martins asserted.
The organisation has further called on the SDM to verify whether RVNL has circulated copies of the notice to all concerned departments.
“In the interests of public safety and disaster management, it is essential that all relevant authorities are kept in the loop,” Martins added.
Copies of GOACAN’s letter have also been forwarded to the Chief Secretary, Transport Secretary, South Goa District Magistrate, Directors of Transport and Consumer Affairs, the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Principal Chief Engineer of the PWD, Chief Electrical Engineer, and the DySP (Traffic) South.
