Congress Seeks Urgent Meeting with Railway Minister Over Double Tracking & Coal Transportation Concerns

Congress Seeks Urgent Meeting with Railway Minister Over Double Tracking & Coal Transportation Concerns

Panaji September 1, 2025 : The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has formally sought an urgent appointment with Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss the serious concerns arising from the Hosapete–Hubballi–Vasco-da-Gama railway doubling project.

In an email dated Monday, September 1, 2025, at 1:30 PM IST, GPCC President Amit Patkar wrote to the Hon’ble Minister, highlighting that recent disclosures by the Ministry of Railways on social media platforms have confirmed that the 363 km project is intended for coal transportation.

Patkar, in his communication, stated that this revelation has raised “deep concern among the people of Goa regarding its adverse impact on public health, environment, and the very identity of the state.”

The GPCC President emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that he, along with the Leader of Opposition in Goa, MLAs, and the South Goa Member of Parliament, wishes to meet Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in person to present the people’s concerns and seek immediate intervention.

“We kindly request you to grant us an appointment at the earliest, at a time convenient to you,” the letter concluded.

The Opposition in Goa has consistently opposed the double tracking project, alleging that it is being pushed in the name of infrastructure development while its real objective is to facilitate large-scale coal movement through Goa, which could irreversibly damage the state’s fragile ecosystem.

The ball is now in the Railway Minister’s court, as citizens and opposition leaders await his response to GPCC’s high-priority request.

newsbabaonline.com