Panaji, Sept. 9: The South Western Railway (SWR) double-tracking project between Hospet and Vasco da Gama has once again drawn strong reactions, with the Church opposing the project, while the state government and opposition leaders have voiced differing positions.
The Railways stated that the additional line would accelerate the transportation of coal, iron ore and steel in the region and also enhance tourism to Goa. It further informed that out of the 363 kilometres of the project, 312 kilometres in Karnataka have already been completed, while the remaining 51 kilometres in Goa are scheduled for completion by December 2026.
On September 8, the Supreme Court ordered status quo in Goa’s Mhadei-Kotigaon area, identified by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as a tiger reserve, while directing a central empowered committee to hear stakeholders and decide the issue within six weeks.
Covering an area of 208 square kilometres, the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary lies in Goa’s north-eastern region, sharing its boundary with Karnataka.
Church Opposes Project
On 7 September, the Diocesan Commission for Ecology of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman issued a press statement firmly opposing the double-tracking. Led by Convenor Rev. Dr. Bolmax Pereira, the Commission cited ecological concerns and a Supreme Court ruling as the basis for its stand.
The Commission referred to the Supreme Court’s order of 9 May 2022, which set aside the wildlife clearance for the project through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
The statement also noted growing public anger, citing concerns over health, cultural heritage, and land use. It called for a reassessment of the project and urged authorities to explore development models that are socially viable and ecologically sustainable.
Rev. Dr. Bolmax Pereira has raised concerns over the involvement of industrialist Adani at Mormugao Port.
CMO Statement:
In response to reports of land being acquired for coal handling linked to the project, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of Goa issued a clarification on September 2. The statement said the limited acquisition of 0.6 hectares in Cansaulim, Sancoale and Issorcim villages was only for stabilisation support to safeguard nearby houses, provide road access to landowners, and correct alignment mismatches.
The CMO further stated that the project would help facilitate tourism development and improve the movement of existing freight, including coal, by reducing exposure time and incidental pollution. It reiterated that no capacity expansion of coal transportation would be permitted in the state.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa have opposed the double-tracking project. AAP Goa President Amit Palekar, General Secretary (Campaign) Sandesh Telekar Dessai, and leader Sunil Loran objected to what they described as efforts to enable coal transportation through the state.
