Despite wide-spread protests over the past several years, the Un-ion Ministry of Railways on Sunday announced commissioning 312-kilometre dou-ble-tracked stretch in Kar-nataka, from Hosapete to Tinaighat, as part of the 363-km Hosapete-Vasco da Gama project, drawing the ire of the Opposition, which alleged that the "insensi-tive" government is hell-bent on destroying Goa.
The officials said the upgraded line will speed up coal, iron ore and steel freight movement, while also improving passenger connectivity and boosting tourism to Goa and Hampi.
Reacting to the an-nouncement, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao said, "Already, the people of Mormugao are suffering due to coal transportation. Despite the opposition from the people, the "dou-ble engine" government seems determined to trans-port coal using a double track."
"The Centre had finally acknowledged the coal-related purpose of the project. The Union Ministry has finally admitted that double tracking is meant for coal transportation. The Goa government always claimed it wasn't for coal, but the truth is out.
Mormugao is already devastated by coal pollution, and now the BJP government wants to destroy our villages from Velsao to Collem as well"
-Vijai Sardesai, Goa Forward Party president