Team Herald
MARGAO: “It looks like the railways are stopping the people from going for the Valankanni Feast as the rate of one way travel has been increased to unaffordable rates,” former PWD minister Churchill Alemao said objecting to the huge increase in rail fare to Valankanni from Rs 600 last year to Rs 2000 this year for one way travel.
“Valankanni Saibin feast is very close to the hearts of Goans; and I have been going for the feast for last 35 years. However, this time there is a quantum jump in the rail fare, due to which the people are feeling the pinch,” Churchill said.
“Last time the ticket rate was Rs 600 one way which is now Rs 2000. They know problems of Goans that they are poor and a total expense of Rs 10000 behind every person is too high,” Churchill said.
“I demand the Railway minister considers reducing the rates. An increase of Rs 100 is justified, but not Rs 2,000,” Churchill said.
“I have spoken to the personal assistant of Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu; and I urge all three MPs of Goa to understand the problems of the people,” Churchill said. Over 1.5 lakh people from Goa go on pilgrimage to Valankanni every year and this number has been steadily increasing every passing year.
Drawing attention to the issue of water meters, Churchill claimed, “The water meters fitted in South Goa in 2014 are faulty. Previously, people in South Goa, on an average, received bill for Rs 200 and now the same is Rs 1000.”
Therefore, he has demanded replacement of the faulty meters.
