Land losers demand priority as Konkan Rly builds shops at station

Team Herald

MARGAO: Residents of Margao, especially those who lost their land during the Konkan Railway project, have voiced concerns over the ongoing construction of new commercial premises at the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) Station in Margao. With the backing of Margao Congress functionary Savio Coutinho, they are demanding transparency and clarification on the 25-odd shops being built on the Navelim side of the station, which are already being advertised for rent.

Coutinho claimed that an agreement was allegedly signed with an out-of-State agency, allowing them to construct and lease the shops, while the Railways would receive a fixed income. He expressed anger over this arrangement, arguing that the local landowners, who sacrificed their land for the railway project in exchange for minimal compensation, had long hoped for priority in job placements or opportunities to set up kiosks at the station—benefits that have not been realised.

"These land losers have been waiting for years to receive priority, either for jobs in the Railways or kiosks at the station. Unfortunately, neither has happened," Coutinho said, demanding that Railway authorities give priority to these landowners in the current commercial scheme.

Coutinho also called for clarity on the recruitment process currently underway by KRC, urging Goans, especially the land losers, to apply before the deadline on October 6, 2024. "We appeal to all Goans, especially the land losers, to submit their applications so the authorities cannot claim they didn’t apply," he said, directing them to the Konkan Railway website for details.

He also referred to past issues like the overcharging of vehicle owners at the station’s parking lot, which had been addressed after being exposed. However, he acknowledged that some complaints still persist due to a lack of proper awareness and expressed hope that the Railway authorities would continue to improve the parking system.