Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has urged the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) to prioritise the reconstruction of the demolished footbridge at Margao Railway Station, citing the severe inconvenience faced by passengers and local residents.
The issue was raised during a meeting with Konkan Railway Executive Director Joseph George and Baban Ghatge at the request of the Margao Congress Block. The old footbridge, which connected the Aquem and Navelim sides of the station, is currently being demolished, leaving commuters without a direct crossing and with no confirmed timeline for its reconstruction.
During the meeting, KRC officials presented detailed plans for a comprehensive redevelopment project that includes a new footbridge and station buildings on both sides of the railway station. However, the Congress delegation expressed concern that the large-scale project, coupled with uncertain funding sources as acknowledged by KRC officials, could significantly delay the construction of the much-needed footbridge.
Following a suggestion by MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, Konkan Railway authorities agreed to explore the possibility of executing the footbridge project independently and on priority before taking up the larger redevelopment works.
Margao Congress Block Convener Savio Coutinho criticised Margao MLA Digamber Kamat, alleging that the demolition was allowed to proceed without ensuring a reconstruction plan was in place. He also recalled that during an inspection before the demolition, concerns raised by residents over the hardships they would face were dismissed.
Captain Viriato Fernandes and Savio Coutinho assured the public that they would continue to pursue the matter with the railway authorities to ensure the early completion of the footbridge and restore a vital public link between Aquem and Navelim.
