MARGAO: In a passionate address in the Parliament, Captain Viriato Fernandes, Member of Parliament for South Goa, has raised critical concerns about the proposed railway double tracking project in Goa.
The MP urged the Railway Ministry to adhere to the Supreme Court’s judgment protecting the Western Ghats and reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his responsibility as a recipient of the UN’s ‘Champion of the Earth’ award.
Fernandes highlighted the potential devastation that increased coal transportation through Goa could bring to the State’s vital tourism industry. He emphasised Goa’s unique position, stating, “The people in Goa say Goa is the favourite holiday destination of God. God resides in Goa.”
The MP outlined the historical economic pillars of Goa - mining, agriculture, and tourism - noting that with the decline of agriculture and the current ban on mining, tourism remains the only organised sector sustaining the State’s economy. He warned that the transportation of coal by rail poses a significant threat to this crucial industry.
“Coal is detrimental to the survival of tourism,” Fernandes declared. “Coal is responsible for environmental destruction. It is causing destruction of the fields and the rivers. It is affecting the business of the fishermen.”
Fernandes specifically called out the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for their actions in implementing the double tracking project. He cited violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules, including the destruction of a creek in Velsao village and the closure of the Kushavati River mouth due to land filling.
The MP referenced a Supreme Court judgment that found no additional revenue benefit in double tracking through Goa, emphasising the potential destruction to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. “Railways should not kill the golden goose that is giving golden eggs to Goa, and that is tourism,” he urged.
He suggested alternative revenue-generating strategies for the railways, such as increasing train services to popular pilgrimage sites like Vailankanni, Pandharpur, and Mathura. He also criticised the railways’ recent decision to enter the taxi service business, calling it a ‘misplaced priority’ that could harm the livelihoods of Goa’s unemployed youth who rely on taxi and motorcycle pilot services.
In a separate session, Capt Fernandes also spoke during the Demands for Grants under the control of the Ministry of Railways for 2024-25, continuing to advocate for the common people of Goa and their concerns regarding railway development in the State.