Solution to Velsao double-tracking soon, says Sawant

Panaji/Vasco: Chief minister Pramod Sawant promised to find “solutions” for the Velsao villagers affected by the South Western Railway’s double-tracking project. He, however, said that, in certain areas, some villagers will have to relocate.
Sawant, who visited Sancoale and discussed the issue with Cortalim MLA Anton Vas, said that all officials are working on a solution.
“Anton Vas has been continuously talking to the railway authorities, and yesterday he met me and discussed the issue. The government has called the railway authorities and, wherever possible, a solution will be found. They have almost found a solution, and maybe only in one or two places will there be some shifting,” said Sawant.
Following persistent opposition by locals of Velsao and Cansaulim to SWR’s track doubling project through their villages, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) had informed TOI that the route would be realigned to save structures located along the proposed alignment.
“We are planning to take the (additional) line to the (opposite) side of the existing track to avoid any structures that were earlier in its way,” RVNL general manager Sashibhusan Sahoo had told TOI.
The villagers of Velsao have strongly criticised the contradictory statements made by Vas and railway officials and expressed doubts over the assurances given by the government. A few days ago, a large number of villagers gathered to protest against the ongoing railway project. Former Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha has claimed that the government is misleading the people of Velsao and Cansaulim by making false promises.