Porvorim: While the opposition MLAs questioned the setting up of new railway stations in three villages, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday told the House that they were necessary to ensure that trains run on time.
The Union Government, during the recent budget, announced the establishment of three railway stations on the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) route—Neura, Sarzora, and Mayem.
The opposition benches, including Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar, and AAP MLA Cruz Silva, questioned the need for additional railway stations in the state, which are located just a few kilometers away from the existing ones.
Borkar raised the issue during Zero Hour on the first day of the Budget session, stating that the railway station in his constituency at Neura was unnecessary, as it is just six kilometers away from the existing Karmali Railway Station.
Responding to the queries, the Chief Minister told the House that trains on the Konkan Railway face delays of 20-25 minutes due to the absence of junctions. He clarified that these are “crossing railway stations” and not “passenger stations.”
Sawant further stated that the land required for these stations has already been acquired by the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, and there is no need for additional land acquisition.
He added that the new railway stations would help reduce delays and facilitate the introduction of new trains on the KRCL route.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that authorities are working on introducing high-speed trains on the KRCL routes, which would enable faster travel within Goa.
“A person from Canacona (South Goa) will be able to take a fast train and reach Karmali (North Goa) in a few minutes. These trains can run in the morning, afternoon, and evening,” he said.
Sawant emphasized that this initiative will help reduce traffic congestion on roads.
