MP Shantaram Naik for development of railways in Goa

Panaji, Mar 12 (UNI) Rajya Sabha member from Goa Shantaram Naik today urged the Indian Railways for introduction of Vasco-Da-Gama-Mumbai train via Belgaun.

He said this route existed during the Portuguese regime. He also asked for a daily train from Goa to New Delhi via the shortest route - Panval and Vadodara.

In a statement issued here, Mr Naik said apprehension that Goa had been made a corridor by the Railway Ministry for the passing trains must be removed from the minds of Goan people. If that was to be done, then Goa's requirement were to be met.

Mr Naik regretted that the Ministry had not conceded in the past, for special train service between Vasco and Nagapatnam/Tanjore, during the Velankanni Festival to facilitate pilgrims to visit the religious place.

The Karmali station is the nearest to the capital Panaji and yet most of the trains passing it did not stop there, he added.

Since it is virtually a capital station this demands for stops for all the trains and it should be considered, Mr Naik said.

Mr Naik also demanded that a train service from Vasco to Tirupati be started and said the Ministry had conceded demands of many States for train connection to Tirupati.

Mr Naik regretted that though many trains, pass through Goa towards South, there were hardly any seats available for the passengers boarding here and hence important trains must start from Goa towards North and South.

Mr Naik also strongly pleaded the case of land losers who were given stalls and whom, the Konkan Railwasy Corporation Ltd (KRCL) was proposing, should be thrown out.

Calling this as an act of betrayal, Mr Naik said he favoured retaining the identity of the KRCL.

''But if the KRCL claims a separate existence from that of the Railway Ministry and if they do not want to listen to the Ministry despite receiving funds from the Government then it should be wound up,'' he said.

Mr Naik also urged the Railway Ministry to ensure jobs for the locals if the people of the states are to be identified with the projects of the Central Government.

Mr Naik also pleaded for installing modern toilets in all the trains and for providing video facilities.

He urged that the Government should take early decision on commencing faster trains by selecting a sector for carrying out experiments.

UNI BM SR SW HT1657