The issue of double tracking is haunting not only the residents of Cansaulim, Velsao, Mormugao, but all the villages from Curchorem to Mormugao. Many of the Panchayats enroute have objected to this project firstly because of pollution and primarily because no subways and flyovers are provided. The other concern of the villagers is the damage due to vibration to heritage heritage houses and Churches along the route. To mention a few the Seraulim, Majorda, Utorda Churches and Arossim Chapel will be very badly affected. Other than that no-flyovers underpasses are provided all the years but just tall talk by the elected representatives. Cansaulim flyover over issue is pending from the time of late Mathany Saldanha. The Railway authorities should address this issue first. The local government should not give consent before this issues are settled to the satisfaction of the concerned villagers.
First and foremost the Railway authorities should interact with the villagers at the Panchayat level and not at the Railway stations. Such was the case in Cansaulim where people had no chance to enter the Station Masters Room. Then only the authorities will understand the needs of the people. For example in Arossim we have St Lawrence Chapel but with a population of nearly 3 thousand people and three Sunday masses. An underpass at this place is badly required. As of now people cross the track at great risk to their lives and with the additional track, the chapel will be out of reach to the followers.
Above all the track is not going to benefit anyone, but only the business community from outside Goa. Why these business houses make arrangement to unload the coal in mid-stream at Karwar river and transport the ore by barges up the river to the furthermost point and then transport by trucks. This mode of transport id widely used in Goa successfully. The Goa Government should suggest this mode of transport to the Central Government. At the same time Karwar Port should be developed to full potential.
