Team Herald
BICHOLIM: Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the Centre is working with the State government to come out with a solution to mining issue.
The minister informed that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had several meetings with the prime minister on the issue. “It’s a very difficult issue, which needs to be solved within the framework of the law, yet recognizing the special situation of Goa,” Goyal said.
He said that the State Law Department and the Centre are trying to find a solution.
“The Supreme Court had ordered to auction all the natural resources in the wake of the massive coalgate,” Goyal said adding, “Goa has a peculiar situation where mining has been going on for several years and these are not some new mines. We need to find a solution within the ambit of the law recognising and respecting the Supreme Court judgement. We are committed to finding a solution.”
“We have plans to electrify the entire Konkan Railway route. Because of diesel and other products there is damage to environment and so the entire route will be electrified. Konkan Railway will run on clean fuel.”
He stated this at a press conference at Sanquelim before launching the party membership drive in the state.
He said the work on two lines has already begun.
Stating that the government is open for several options including investment from private parties, the minister ruled out privatisation of Railways.
“There are different models we can follow. We want the Indian Railways to grow. There could be some sectors where the private sector can lay their own lines, we will not have a problem. They can take a licence from us. Railways will be able to increase its revenue. If it can increase its revenue, it will be able to provide better facilities to passengers. But Railways will not be privatised. Railways belong to the government, it will stay with the government,” he added.
