SWR ironically calls double tracking in ‘public interest’

Vasco: The South Western Railways fielded a battery of officials online to state that the proposed double tracking of the railway tracks, against which the people of Goa, across districts and talukas have come to the streets, was “in public interest”.

Clearly on the back foot, after the surging relay protests by the people of Goa, against double tracking  the briefing was conducted by PK Mishra, Additional General Manager, E Vijaya, Deputy General Manager and Chief Public Relations Officer, in the presence of various other SWR officials.

Defying facts on the ground and clear grounds of apparent environmental violations put forth by people and environment groups, SWR officials said that no new area is being taken for laying of the railway line and that it will not have any additional impact on the environment.

Projects in North East compared to double tracking without specifics

 It further stated that maximum care will be taken during construction of lines and that similar infrastructure development projects are being executed all over the country including the ecologically-sensitive North Eastern region. However no specific projects were mentioned, which would allow a proper comparison.

SWR added that before planning, the environment impact study had been done by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; and that the tree cutting requirement is very less and will be reduced further. This study, its methodology and terms of reference have been questioned by expert groups and stake holders including members of the State Wild Life Board.

SWR claims quantity of coal transported declining but the MPT master expansion plan clearly mentions coal transportation tune of 51 m tonnes

When asked about the quantity of coal that will be transported, Mishra said that presently, the emphasis is being given for usage of environment friendly sources of energy /resources for power generation.

“As a result, the use of coal is gradually reducing and the share of non-conventional energy sources is gradually increasing. In the year 2015-16, SWR carried 12 million tonnes of coal which has reduced to 9 million tonnes in the year 2019-20 showing a reduction of 25% within a span of four years” he said.

“Railways is committed to the development of Goa in an environmentally friendly way. Electrification will make trains carbon neutral,” the AGM added.  However, according to Captain Viriato Fernandes of Goecnho Ekvott,  a comprehensive MPT master plan for expansion outlines the upgradation of infrastructure to handle 51.1 million tons of coal

South Western Railways continued with its justifications as follows:

1 Existing rail network is constrained due to single line long ghat sections

Existing rail network is constrained due to single line long ghat sections severely limiting train running capacity. While the average section running time in plain section is 8 to 10 minutes, it takes 70-80 minutes to pass the critical ghat section reducing sectional capacity to 15 % of sections in plains.

2 Project will lead to more passenger trains. But is there a study on demand and an exact plan for these trains

SWR added that the project will lead to more passenger trains; better inter-State connectivity; boosting of trade and commerce among adjoining States; increased tourist flow; augmenting infrastructure at intermediate stations; relaxing bottlenecks of ghat section operation; improving passenger amenities at stations; and re-modelling yards to deal 24 coaches.

3 NO environmental damage as doubling on Railway land. (Herald asks, how does the ownership of the land determine that projects on it are environment friendly)

 “As doubling is being done predominantly in railway land, there is no additional impact on the environment. Care will be taken to ensure least disturbance during construction and alignment will be decided to avoid trees to the extent possible. Alignment is being planned in such a way that not even a single building will be affected fully for the doubling project. Only compound walls in very few houses (less than 12) in a stretch may be affected and Railway is trying to avoid even this,” SWR officials added.

Herald asks how does the ownership of the land determine that projects on it are environment friendly). The ground realities in Utroda, Majorda and the Cansaulim to Issorcim stretch are contrary. Entrances to people’s homes are getting blocked. The double track will take away entrances of structures.

E Vijaya, Deputy General Manager and Chief Public Relations Officer, said that all stakeholders will be taken into confidence and that genuine concerns of the public will be addressed. Vijaya added that execution of work will be done only by liaising with State officials and obtaining necessary approvals and clearances from the District Administration and Government of Goa.