MARGAO: The Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL), responsible for double tracking work for South Western Railway (SWR), has faced criticism from locals for obstructing traditional pathways and the right of way. Villagers, who have used these pathways for generations,
claim that RVNL has blocked them by dumping rubble and other construction material.
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Concerns have been raised about the midnight construction work in the villages, as it has disrupted the local community and raised questions about potential encroachments or damage to storm water drainages, similar to incidents in the past.
Orville Dourado Rodrigues, founder of Goencho Ekvott, expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, “RVNL has blocked centuries-old access to St Anne’s Convent, Cansaulim, and to other villages. How insensitive can the railway authorities get, with our local government authorities just looking on as hapless bystanders? Wake up Goans to assert your rights, before it is too late.”
Rodrigues added, “This stairway was historically used by the families of late Dr. Proto Luis Barbosa (former Chief Minister), late Mathany Saldanha (former Tourism Minister), as
well as hundreds of students, parents, and other
villagers for commuting to the bus stop, market, St. Thomas High School, Church, and more.”
“For over a decade, RVNL has made it difficult for people to cross by obstructing the path with railway sleepers. However, the villagers have managed to move them aside. It
has been a constant struggle,” the GE founder further stated.
In another incident at Arossim, where locals previously objected to double tracking work near the historic St. Lawrence Chapel, construction was observed as late as 1:15 am.
The locals questioned the reason behind conducting such works at night and how the loud construction noise for double tracking was permitted beyond midnight, disturbing the sleeping villagers.
They urged the authorities to intervene and issue instructions to halt such late-night construction work.
