SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
PANJIM: The proposed double-tracking of the railway line from Tinaghat to Castlerock (Karnataka) to Collem (Goa), will pass within the mountain terrain of Dudhsagar waterfalls instead of widening of the existing single track in a bid to ensure that the touristic and scenic beauty of the waterfall remains intact.
This information was provided by officials of the South Western Railways to the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) during their inspection of the proposed site.
The three-member CEC on Friday inspected the proposed double-tracking route from Tinaghat to Castlerock to Collem via a Special train arranged by the officials.
Sources said that during the inspection SWR informed the CEC that the proposed line will pass within the mountain terrain of the Dudhsagar waterfall. “The proposal is basically to ensure that Dhudhsagar waterfall, which is a major tourist attraction, is not distrubed,” sources said.
Sources added that while much of the work of double tracking has been undertaken in Karnataka, in Goa no work has begun. “The work in Karnataka has been done without disturbing the Kali tiger reserve,” sources said.
The CEC members are slated to inspect the Tamnar power transmission line site on Saturday, following which they will also visit Mormugao Port to oversee its functioning with regards to coal handling.
Thereafter CEC will hold a meeting with Chief Secretary Parimal Rai and other officials to seek the State government’s point of view. The Committee members will also hear NGOs opposing the project.
