In a charged session at the Goa Assembly on Monday, tension flared between Opposition MLAs and ruling ministers as the Opposition accused the Goa Government of pushing for a contentious double tracking of coal transportation by rail. Demanding transparency and decisive action, the Opposition called on the Government to address various concerns and halt the double-tracking project.
Chief Minister Sawant sought to alleviate fears by assuring the House that no homes would be razed to pave the way for the rail double-track initiative. The debate intensified when Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao presented a dated letter from the South Western Railway (SWR) dated February 16, 2018. This letter revealed that the then South Goa Collector had advised the SWR to pursue land acquisition under the Railway Act, hinting at the Government’s inclination towards the rail double tracking for coal transport. Alemao emphasized that this initiative was a distinctive railway project backed by the Goa Government.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Veigas chimed in, advocating for the preservation of 25% of the remaining track as a single track, thus averting the need to dismantle homes in Cansaulim Village. He questioned the rationale behind pursuing coal transport when the nation was transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Amidst the deliberations, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai raised concerns about land acquisition carried out by the railways in Velsao and Cansaulim without the consent of landowners. He also cautioned against the potential impact on the Margao Education Hub if a flyover were not constructed. Sardessai vehemently called for the scrapping of the rail double-tracking project, which he deemed unnecessary for Goa.
Responding to these concerns, Chief Minister Sawant reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to abide by the Supreme Court’s directive and guaranteed the preservation of heritage sites despite the rail double tracking. He firmly denied allegations that the project primarily served coal transportation purposes.
