Team Herald
VASCO: The villagers of Cansaulim have opposed the proposed railway overbridge project and instead demanded construction of an underpass.
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Congress leader Olencio Simoes accompanied by other villagers on Friday submitted a memorandum to the Mormugao Deputy Collector urging him to reconsider the plan of constructing an overbridge at level crossing 25 of the South Western Railway (SWR), as part of its expansion plan.
Simoes later told mediapersons that the proposed thre-km-long overbridge will affect around 36 landowners, covering a total area of approximately 9,000 square metres. The proposed overbridge will touch the doorstep of almost every house along the route, he said pointing out that many families had already suffered from issues like vibrations and air pollution caused by the movement of railways.
“We have suggested that instead of acquiring 9,000 square metres of land and causing inconvenience to so many residents, the existing arrangement can be expanded. It would cost far less and avoid unnecessary disruptions,” Simoes said.
Simoes further suggested that the existing underpass and a culvert near the primary health centre, Cansaulim be widened to ease traffic congestion without any land acquisition. It would cost Rs 3 crore rather than spending Rs 30 crore for the proposed overbridge.
The government should stop waste of public money, which could be utilised on addressing other pressing issues in the village, he said hoping that the government would look it seriously and take a decision that will benefits both – the residents and the State exchequer.
