VELSAO: Panic gripped Velsao village, particularly the Dando area, after the South Western Railways announced the temporary closure of the railway crossing gate. The closure, scheduled from Monday 11pm until Tuesday 6am, raised concerns among residents, especially what will happen if there is an emergency. Otherwise too the railway gate is closed for one hour at a time, causing tremendous hardships to the people.
They demanded a permanent solution to the problem since they are landlocked if the gate is closed. Often the gate is closed for one hour at a time.
Youth leader Aliston Pinto also expressed his views on the situation, echoing the need for a sustainable solution for the village.
The temporary closure has highlighted the need for a permanent solution such as an overbridge or an underpass.