After flagging off the train, Prabhu said that since he is married to a girl from Goa, it was his responsibility to fulfil the request of locals.
“So when the chief minister requested me about the local train I immediately took up the issue and processed the file,” Prabhu said, adding that his association with Goa began with his marriage 22 years ago.
“There is huge potential for tourism (in Goa) and the Union Government will provide all the possible help for the development of the State,” the Railway Minister assured.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, who was also present at the function at Pernem Railway Station, expressed happiness over Prabhu’s quick decision. “When we met on May 24 we had requested him to start this train. In no time he did it,” the chief minister said.
The train would reduce road traffic and accidents, Parsekar said, adding that it would also provide connectivity to the new airport, which is coming up at Pernem.
An electronic city project had been planned at Pernem, he said, adding, “The train will reduce the gap between north and south Goa.”
