MARGAO: Protests erupted in Cansaulim on Wednesday against the proposed railway overbridge project, with locals advocating for the construction of a rail underpass as a viable alternative. Among the demonstrators were affected landowners, as well as prominent figures such as Orville Dourado Rodrigues from Goencho Ekvott (GE), Olencio Simoes from Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), and former Minister Alina Saldanha, alongside numerous senior citizens from Arossim.
A delegation representing Cansaulim villagers submitted a memorandum to the Mormugao Deputy Collector, objecting to the flyover proposed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited and urging for the implementation of an underpass instead.
“The flyover poses a threat to local residences and exacerbates concerns regarding the village’s potential division due to double-tracking. An underpass beneath the railway track could address these issues, utilizing advanced technology to mitigate potential water-logging. Additionally, there’s a pressing need for a pedestrian footbridge at Cansaulim railway station,” stated Alina Saldanha.
Highlighting concerns, Simoes noted that landowners in Cansaulim were once again contesting the Feasibility Report for the procurement of land for the over-bridge project.
“It is also pertinent to note that in the past the villagers/landowners have opposed a similar project proposed by South Western Railway (SWR). SWR wants to bring my families and the villagers on the road as this will be the second railway project which will be passing through their property,” said Simoes.
