MARGAO: The villagers of Guirdolim and Chandor have demanded the reopening of the railway level crossing gate at Chandor, which was closed last month, for vehicular traffic.
It may be recalled that the villagers of Guirdolim have been facing significant hardships due to the increased distance they have to cover while traveling to neighboring villages and returning to their own village since the closure of the railway level gate in May.
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Guirdolim Sarpanch Sonia Fernandes stated that the recently-held extraordinary gram sabha unanimously resolved to keep the level crossing open for traffic, highlighting that the underpass at the level crossing does not adequately address the traffic issues faced by the villagers. The panchayat had previously written to various authorities, including the Railways, Chief Minister, MP, and District Collector. The gram sabha resolved that the panchayat should write another letter urging the concerned authorities to immediately open the railway crossing gate. The Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) of local schools also wrote to the District Collector in support of the villagers’ demand.
The villagers have given the authorities until the end of the week to reopen the level crossing. If the demand is not met within the deadline, they will plan their future course of action. They also pointed out that the nearby underpass constructed by the railways as an alternate route is not a viable solution to the traffic issues they face. Additionally, the road overbridge in Sao Jose De Areal, which is closer to Curtorim than their village, is not suitable either. The villagers listed various flaws with the underpass, such as its lower height than promised and the absence of footpaths. In the neighboring village of Chandor, Sarpanch Estefan Dias stated that although the level crossing falls within the jurisdiction of Guirdolim, the recently-held Chandor gram sabha unanimously resolved to write to the District Collector, urging the keeping of the level crossing open for traffic.
PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral was criticized by locals as he had previously informed the villagers that the road underpass was necessary and would greatly benefit them.
