Team Goemkarponn
CANSAULIM: In a move to protect their land and mitigate potential hardships, locals from Cansaulim have strongly opposed the proposed Railway Overbridge project. Instead, they are demanding the construction of an underpass, citing both environmental and financial concerns.
Congress leader Olencio Simoes, accompanied by other concerned residents, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Collector of Mormugao on Friday, urging the authorities to reconsider the plan for a massive overbridge.
In a statement to the media, Simoes raised concerns about the proposed overbridge at Level Crossing 25 in Cansaulim, which is part of the South Western Railway (SWR) expansion plans. He explained that the overbridge, which spans nearly 3 kilometers, will affect around 36 landowners, covering a total area of approximately 9,000 square meters.
“They are planning to build a bridge that will touch the doorstep of almost every house along the route,” Simoes said. “Many families here have already suffered from issues like vibrations and air pollution caused by railway activity, and the new overbridge will only make things worse.”
The Congress leader pointed out that an existing underpass and culvert near the primary health centre could be expanded to meet traffic needs, without the need for massive land acquisition. “We have suggested that instead of acquiring 9,000 square meters of land and causing inconvenience to so many people, the existing arrangement can be expanded. It would cost far less and avoid unnecessary disruptions,” Simoes added.
He also criticized the high costs associated with the overbridge, which is expected to cost around ₹100 crores including the money for land acquisition and the brudge at the cost of Rs 30 crores. “The Railways will spend a significant amount acquiring land and building the overbridge. On the other hand, expanding the current underpass would only cost about ₹3 crores. This is a waste of public money, which could be better spent on addressing other pressing issues in the area.”
Simoes expressed hope that the Deputy Collector would take the concerns seriously and push for a solution that benefits both the residents and the public finances. “We have conveyed our concerns to the Deputy Collector, and we trust he will do the needful to prevent further inconvenience to the people of Cansaulim,” he said.
“The opposition to the overbridge highlights growing concerns in the village about the environmental impact and the social disruption caused by large-scale infrastructure projects. Local residents are now awaiting a response from the authorities to determine the next steps in resolving the issue.” said Simoes
