NT Reporter
Margao/Panaji
A day after the Union Ministry for Railways said that the Hospet–Vasco double tracking project is aimed
at expediting the transportation of coal, iron ore
and steel, the state saw opposition parties and activists accusing the BJP government of misleading people on its intent.
In a recent post on social media, the ministry also claimed the project would boost tourism to Goa and Hampi and disclosed that 312 km of the 363 km southwest railway line has already been commissioned. While the Karnataka section is complete, work in Goa remains stalled due to pending permissions, as the line cuts through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
Congress South Goa Member of Parliament (MP) Viriato Fernandes, who led protests at Chandor against the project, lashed out at the government for “hiding the truth.”
“The Modi government has declared that the double tracking of railways from Hospet to Vasco is intended for the transportation of coal, ore and steel, which we Goans vehemently oppose. In 2020, during the pandemic, the government forcefully and virtually launched three linear projects. We opposed this at the time. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had previously stated that these projects were designed to enhance passenger facilities, not for coal transportation. Two ministers—Nilesh Cabral (now former) and Mauvin Godinho—also contended that the project was for passengers. The ministry has now exposed them.”
He warned that coal transportation would not only damage the environment but also severely impact public health.
Sounding an alarm, Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao said, “The government has failed to regulate coal handling at Mormugao port. This expansion will only lead to Goa’s destruction, turning it into a coal hub with 43 million metric tonnes of coal per year, equivalent to 4.3 crore truckloads of 10 tonnes each.”
He also said that the people of Cansaulim, Issorcim and Sancoale are being forced to sacrifice 6,000 sqm of their land for this project. “The government’s call for objections appears to be a mere formality, as they’re determined to push this destructive project forward, disregarding the state’s natural beauty and people’s interests,” said Alemao.
Environmental activist Abhijit Prabhudesai said, “The coal transportation primarily benefits Western countries, which will acquire pristine steel, while India sacrifices its finest iron ore and its citizens endure pollution and resource depletion. It is abundantly clear that our government and the railways are catering to these foreign interests, devoid of any affection or allegiance to this nation, its state, or its environment.”
Stating that the Goa Congress will soon meet Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to convey the state’s objections, GPCC president Amit Patkar said, “This disclosure has once again exposed the hypocrisy of the BJP government, which has been misleading Goans by projecting the project as one of ‘development’, while in reality it is aimed at converting Goa into a coal hub to serve the interests of a few crony friends.”
Launching a scathing attack, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) president Manoj Parab said, “Double tracking is for coal and the ministry has confirmed it. BJP’s lies are exposed. Their only aim is to make Goa black with coal, destroy tourism and pollute our land. Goa is in danger. Wake up now.” St Andre RGP MLA Viresh Borkar added, “Goa is under attack. BJP’s 363 km rail doubling (312 km done) isn’t for Goans—it’s a coal corridor for corporates. Forests, rivers and villages are being destroyed. We must resist. Goa is not for sale.”
Alleging that the state BJP government has gone against the stand of late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Benaulim AAP MLA Venzy Viegas said, “Parrikar had condemned the double tracking project, claiming it will adversely affects Goans. I, along with several activists and citizens, protested at Chandor and Arossim, and I faced legal action from Goa police for my participation in these protests. It is imperative that we unite and pursue legal avenues against the government on this issue,” he said.
Parrikar had himself denied permission for double tracking, saying Goa did not want such a project. “We cannot comply with what the MPT desires. There are those who seek financial gain from this,” Parrikar had said. Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai said, “The Union Ministry of Railways has finally acknowledged that double tracking is intended for coal transportation. The Goa government has consistently claimed otherwise. The truth is now laid bare.”
