Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has strongly refuted reports claiming that additional land is being acquired for coal handling as part of the Hospet–Vasco railway double tracking project.
In an official clarification issued on Tuesday, the state government said the limited acquisition of 0.6 hectares of land in Cansaulim, Sancoale and Issorcim villages is only for banking and stabilisation works to protect nearby houses, provide road access to landowners, and correct alignment mismatches identified in earlier surveys.
“The project will facilitate tourism development and faster movement of existing freight, including coal, in a manner that reduces incidental pollution by decreasing exposure time,” the note stated.
The government further reiterated that no capacity expansion of coal transportation will be permitted in the state.
The clarification comes amid growing public concerns and reports suggesting large-scale land acquisition linked to coal handling, which officials termed “incorrect and misleading.”
