Closed railway crossing at Chandor gives tough time to Guirdolim villagers

MARGAO: Villagers of Guirdolim have been facing massive issues ever since the railway crossing at Chandor was closed in May. The underpass that was built as an alternative is low in height and is creating bottlenecks during peak hours. 

A major problem is that buses and ambulances are unable to pass through the underpass. Due to this, the distance and time required for people of Guirdolim to get to neighbouring villages is far greater now, as compared to before when the railway crossing was open.

The locals added that the underpass is not safe for two vehicles to cross at the same time let alone pedestrians and they further referred to minor accidents that have already taken place.

The fact that the underpass road, as well as the approach roads on either side have potholes, makes commuting very risky, especially at night. There is also the issue of stray cattle moving around, locals fear that more accidents will take place if corrective measures are not initiated on a war footing. There was an instance of a snake moving in the underpass while people were using it too.

In the recent past, the villagers had unanimously resolved at the Guirdolim gram sabha meeting that the railway authorities and State government be asked to reopen the gate. 

However, sources informed Herald that the Railways has replied to the panchayat stating that they will not be opening the railway crossing gate, which would thus remain closed permanently

Local resident Gidwan Da Costa also questioned the role of PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral who had in the past claimed that the villagers would not suffer at all once the underpass is built.

“The height of the underpass was supposed to be 2.80 metres as per the old (gram sabha) resolution but Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) constructed the underpass up to the height of 2.67 metres. There were supposed to be footpaths on either side. Why has RVNL not provided footpaths?” Da Costa said.

“As per the Resolution letter it is mentioned that RVNL would build a pump room and one key of the same would be given to the Panchayat. Where is the Pump room?” he asked.

Locals further questioned how school students and others who were crossing the level crossing on foot earlier, expected to go to the other side with the railway crossing now permanently closed. Worse, they pointed out, is when the underpass was flooded during the rains.