26 Aug 2022  |   07:02am IST

Locals cry foul over SWR bid to electrify Hubli-Vasco rly line

Residents and activists call the move a back-door entry for the double-tracking project, fear danger to locals crossing tracks, claim SWR does not own land to install electric poles

Team Herald

MARGAO: The residents of Mormugao have raised concerns over the Central government’s plan to electrify the South Western Railway (SWR) route in the State, given that a lot of people cross the railway tracks on a daily basis to get to school, work or head to the market, often crawling under train wagons to get across. 

Residents also worry about the electrification being a ruse through which the SWR can push ahead its double-tracking project that has been opposed by the locals.  

Indian railways had announced that it was embarking upon the electrification of the railway line from Hospet to Hubli to Vasco da Gama. 

 "Electrifying the existing 346 km-long railway line on the Chennai-Goa route, making it environmentally friendly by reducing diesel consumption & carbon emission!” the Union Railway ministry had tweeted recently. 

Activist Olencio Simoes questioned the status of the promised plans of constructing the Rail Under Bridge (RUB) and Foot Under Bridge (FUB) that would address navigational issues the locals face in view of the fact that school students, women and others still have to crawl under wagons at time while crossing the track.   

“We will oppose it as this is a back door entry to implement the three linear projects making Goa a coal hub destination, '' said Simoes. 

 “Once the cables are laid and the electrification work is complete, they will go ahead with the double tracking. Electrification of the SWR track will be dangerous to people crossing the tracks if there is malfunctioning of their system. It will also cause harm to domesticated animals which venture close to the tracks,” said Ella Mascarenhas from Arrosim. 

Orville Dourado Rodrigues, the founder member of Goencho Ekvott said the land on either side of the existing single track lies with the local panchayats, and does not belong to the Railways. 

“Let the Railways prove to us that they own the land to lay the foundation for the electrification, before they proceed with the works. The Railways do not own land at least from Utorda to Issorcim, save for two parcels of land 

at the Cansaulim 

Railway Station. So where are they going to install the poles for electrification?” he asked.