Train service to be extended to other cities
Panaji: Quoting Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced that Vande Bharat-like train service will soon be launched, initially connecting Pernem to Canacona.
Addressing media persons at the Mantralaya, Sawant said the train service will later be extended to other cities of the state.
He highlighted the allocation of Rs 482 crore in the Union budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, for the development of the Konkan Railway and South Western Railway infrastructure in Goa.
This funding will support projects like the development of railway stations, new rail lines, track doubling, and the strengthening of state’s railway network, he said.
Sawant said, “In the next two years, we plan to start the Vande Bharat-like rail service between Pernem and Canacona. This will allow people to travel directly between these two locations. For those who wish to continue going up to Margao or Karmali, bus services will be provided to major cities.”
He added that the Union budget’s focus on improving railway infrastructure will also promote wellness and heritage tourism in Goa.
The Chief Minister thanked the Union government for approving the construction of three new railway stations in the state at Sarzora, Neura, and Mayem.
The Chief Minister also announced that the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Technology-Goa (IIT-Goa) will be laid later this year.
When asked about the location for the new campus, Sawant declined to provide details, stating that the information would be made public through the media in the near future.
It is important to note that the state government has been struggling to identify a suitable site for IIT-Goa’s permanent campus over the past nine years.
As a result, the institution currently operates from a temporary campus at Goa Engineering College in Farmagudi.
CM: Stone to be laid for IIT Goa campus this year
The Chief Minister also announced that the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Technology-Goa (IIT-Goa) will be laid later this year. When asked about the location for the new campus, Sawant declined to provide details, stating that the information would be made public through the media in the near future.
State to run three special trains for Mahakumbh
Panaji: The state government will operate three special trains from Goa to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for devotees attending the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. The initiative will offer free travel and food during the journey, with each train carrying 1,000 passengers. Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai, said devotees will have to bear their own expenses for food, stay. P 2
