MARGAO: The Velsao-Pale-Issorcim village panchayat has sent a letter to the Railway authorities, highlighting the problems faced by the locals residing near the railway track. The panchayat has requested the railways to consider these issues during the ongoing railway expansion work.
In the letter addressed to the General Manager of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), Sarpanch Maria Diana Goveia referred
to previous discussions held with the railway authorities in
May and requested a joint inspection to address the concerns of the residents.
Narrow road: Concerns raised about the laying of the double track between chainage 96/425 and 97/600. The narrow approach road to this area is not suitable for heavy vehicles. SWR needs to clarify how construction materials would be transported without compromising existing infrastructure or the safety of villagers residing along this stretch
Safety concerns at chainage 97/200: A cluster of around 20 houses exists on the western side of the current rail track. Residents rely on existing steps, dating back to 1900, to cross over the tracks and access a motorable road on the eastern side. The panchayat raised concerns about the safety aspect of crossing railway tracks, which is an offense under prevailing laws. Projecting an increase in the number and speed of trains, the railway authorities have not addressed this need.
Access to houses along the western side of the track: The land along the western side of the existing track is presently used by villagers as a right of way to access their houses. Laying the second track on this land would block their access
Disruption of vehicular traffic at Level crossing No. 26: The present frequency of rail traffic on the existing single track already disrupts normal vehicular traffic at Level crossing No. 26 (Chainage 97/500) for approximately three hours a day. The double track would worsen this disruption, and medical
and fire emergencies could result in fatalities.
Alternative to underpass: While an underpass was initially proposed at chainage 99/140 to address concerns, it was deemed technically infeasible. The panchayat seeks clarity on the potential erection of an overhead bridge at this location as an alternative to manned level crossings, as per the Railway Board policy.
Disruption of existing drainage network and right of way: Between chainage 97/500 and 97/900, approximately eight houses have been utilizing the land along the western side of the railway track as their right of way for decades. The construction of the double track on this land would require retaining walls and extensive landfill, potentially disrupting the existing drainage network and the right of way to these houses.
Non-adherence to environmental guidelines: Sarpanch Goveia pointed out that environmental guidelines, such as air and noise pollution near habitation zones and the use of biodegradable toilets on trains passing through these zones, are not being adhered to.
