Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 13: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that a new Konkan Railway station has been proposed at Mayem, which is expected to benefit people from Sattari and Bicholim. The government is also planning to introduce two train services connecting Mopa Airport with Canacona.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express on Friday, Sawant stressed the need to strengthen rail connectivity to make travel more convenient for people.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and officials of the Western and Southern Railways for introducing the Vande Bharat service.

Sawant said passenger movement had increased following the opening of Mopa Airport and that the government was planning to improve rail connectivity to reduce congestion on roads.

He said two train services were proposed between Sindhudurg and Karwar, connecting Mopa Airport with Canacona. Passengers arriving at the airport would be able to travel directly to Margao and Canacona by train instead of relying on road transport, with the journey expected to take around half an hour, he added.

The Chief Minister also said railway stations would be upgraded alongside train services. Thivim railway station is among those planned for improvement, with deluxe facilities for passengers, he said.