Goa govt mulls rail links to boost public transport -ToI

CHOKING GOA? Goa govt mulls rail links to boost public transport Vijay de Souza, TNN | May 19, 2013, 12.17 AM IST PANAJI: Developing rail connectivity to Goa's major towns and tourist spots from the existing North-South Konkan railway route is being considered by the state government to improve the public transport system. This connectivity is expected to feature in an integrated transportation system plan for which the government has invited applications for a consultant. Sources said that once appointed, the consultant will be given a detailed layout of Goa's problems, vis-a-vis roads, railways and waterways, and will be asked for solutions and even alternatives. Confirming the move, chief secretary B Vijayan told STOI, "As of now there are only broad ideas and these will be discussed with the consultant once appointed. The government wants to come out with a comprehensive long-term plan on public transport and not one on a piecemeal basis." He added that the state had written to the Union urban development ministry about having a comprehensive public transport plan in place for Goa and the ministry had written back asking the state to appoint a consultant. Elaborating that the consultant would have to explain the best ways of utilizing the Konkan railway route as well as the state's waterways for an improved public transport, Vijayan said the feasibility and viability of every suggestion would also have to be detailed. The state is hoping for rail connectivity options between existing stations of the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) and major towns and tourist spots, for example between Tivim or Pernem stations and Mapusa, Calangute or Anjuna; Karmali station and Panaji; and westwards of Margao station. Connectivity on the eastern side of the state is also being sought. And sources said the state might even consider a line to the proposed Mopa airport. For routes where a rail line will not be feasible, the government is open to the idea of a monorail, said sources. Experts warned that while the idea of rail linkages sounds practical, the actual implementation would be challenging because of the agencies that would be ultimately involved. Apart from the KRC, the state would require the cooperation of its neighbouring states and maybe even the south central railway. The electrification and even doubling of the existing KRC line between Pernem and Canacona would also have to be considered. Funds too would be an issue for this mega project, and the state would have to procure the same from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) or the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), they felt. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-govt-mulls-rail-links-to-boost-public-transport/articleshow/20127998.cms