Daijiworld Media Network- Goa 

Goa, Sep 3: Amid growing public outcry over the Hospet–Vasco railway double tracking project, the Goa government has issued a clarification, asserting that the project will not result in an increase in coal transportation capacity. 

The controversy flared up after a recent tweet from Indian railways highlighted several benefits of double tracking, including faster coal transport. The situation was further intensified by a notification from the Union Railways Ministry regarding the acquisition of 6,007 sq. mtrs of additional land in the villages of Sancoale, Issorcim, and Cansaulim in Mormugao Taluka.   

The development sparked strong reactions from opposition parties and environmental activists, who have consistently opposed any move that could potentially expand coal movement through the state. 

In response, the Goa government issued a press note clarifying that the additional land acquisition was undertaken strictly for safety purposes and not to facilitate the expansion of coal transportation.