Vasco News

Here’s the list of trains diverted/cancelled after the accident
The Indian Express | 2 days ago | |
The Indian Express
2 days ago | |

As 10-12 coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express and 3-4 coaches of another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah derailed near Baleswar in Odisha late Friday night, a host of other trains were cancelled or diverted.At least 50 people are feared dead and more than 400 injured in the accident.“At around 7pm, 10-12 coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed near Baleswar and fell on the opposite track. After some time, another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah dashed into those derailed coaches resulting in the derailment of its 3-4 coaches,” Railway Spokesperson Amitabh Sharma said.12837 Howrah-Puri Superfast Express journey commencing on June 2, 202312863 Howrah-SMVB Superfast Express journey commencing on June 2, 202312838 Puri – Howrah Superfast Express journey commencing on June 2, 202312839 Howrah-Chennai Mail journey commencing on June 2, 202312895 Shalimar-Puri Superfast Express journey commencing on June 2, 202320831 Shalimar-Sambalpur Express journey commencing on June 2, 202302837 Santragachi-Puri Special Express journey commencing on June 2, 202322201 Sealdah-Puri Duronto Express journey commencing on June 2, 202318410 Sri Jagannath Express – Puri to Kolkata journey commencing on June 2, 202308012 Puri- Bhanjapur Special from Puri journey commencing on June 2, 202312801 Puri-New Delhi Purusottam Express from Puri on June 2 will run via Jakhapura & Jaroli route.18477 Puri-Rishikesh Kalinga Utkal Express from Puri on June 2 will run via Angul-Sambalpur City- Jharsuguda Road- Ib route.03229 Puri-Patna Special from Puri on June 2 will run via the Jakhapura-Jaroli route12840 Chennai-Howrah Mail from Chennai on June 1 will run via the Jakhapura-Jaroli route.18048 Vasco da Gama-Howrah Amaravati Express from Vasco on June 1 will run via Jakhapura-Jaroli route.22850 Secunderabad-Shalimar Express from Secunderabad on June 2 will run via Jakhapura and Jaroli.22804 Sambalpur-Shalimar Express from Sambalpur on June 2 will run via Sambalpur City- Jharsuguda Route.12509 Bangalore-Guwahati Express from Bangalore on June 1 will run via Vizianagaram- Titilagarh – Jharsuguda-Tata route.15929 Tambaram-New Tinsukia Express from Tambaram on June 1 will run via Ranital-Jaroli route.22807 Santragachi-Chennai Express journey commencing on June 2 will run via Tatanagar22873 Digha-Visakhapatnam Express journey commencing on June 2 will run via Tatanagar18409 Shalimar-Puri Sri Jagannath Express journey commencing on June 2 will run via Tatanagar22817 Howrah-Mysuru Express journey commencing on June 2 will run via Tatanagar

Here’s the list of trains diverted/cancelled after the accident
Drunken driving, indiscipline behind spike in accidents: Goa CM Pramod Sawant
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: CM Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that drunken driving and indiscipline on roads are some of the reasons for the increase in accidents. He added that the Goa police traffic cell, transport department and PWD are holding meetings and will chalk out a plan to reduce accidents.Sawant pointed out that the vehicle population has increased compared to the state population. "There are three reasons for the increase in accidents. These include people not following rules, drunken driving, rash and negligence driving among others," he said. The chief minister added that people should cooperate with the authorities, and this will help reduce the frequency of road accidents.In 2020, the vehicle population was 14.5 lakh vehicles, in 2021, it was 14.9 lakh and in 2022 it climbed to 15.4 lakh, but the infrastructure more or less stayed the same. Police said that looking at 2020-21 and 2021-2022, there has been a 3% increase in vehicle population, but the infrastructure hasn't changed much.It has been found that two-thirds of the people who died in road accidents in 2022 were linked to two-wheelers. The state witnessed an almost 9% rise in road accidents during the year.In 2022, 3,011 road accidents were reported, of which 253 were fatal, wherein 271 succumbed to injuries. A total number of 181 persons on two-wheelers died in accidents while 51 pedestrians lost their lives.In 2021, 2,849 accidents were reported, of which 218 were fatal. Almost 226 people lost their lives. A total number of 152 persons on two-wheelers died while 36 pedestrians were killed.The highest number of accidents in North Goa was reported in the jurisdiction of Panaji, Mapusa and Porvorim police stations areas. In South Goa, the highest number of accidents were reported in Ponda, Verna and Vasco police station areas.State witnessed 9% rise in road accidents in 2022In 2020, the vehicle population was 14.5 lakh vehicles, in 2021, it was 14.9 lakh and in 2022 it climbed to 15.4 lakh, but the infrastructure more or less stayed the same. Police said that looking at 2020-21 and 2021-2022, there has been a 3% increase in vehicle population, but the infrastructure hasn't changed much.It has been found that two-thirds of the people who died in road accidents in 2022 were linked to two-wheelers. The state witnessed an almost 9% rise in road accidents during the year.In 2022, 3,011 road accidents were reported, of which 253 were fatal, wherein 271 succumbed to injuries. A total number of 181 persons on two-wheelers died in accidents while 51 pedestrians lost their lives.In 2021, 2,849 accidents were reported, of which 218 were fatal. Almost 226 people lost their lives. A total number of 152 persons on two-wheelers died while 36 pedestrians were killed.The highest number of accidents in North Goa was reported in the jurisdiction of Panaji, Mapusa and Porvorim police stations areas. In South Goa, the highest number of accidents were reported in Ponda, Verna and Vasco police station areas.

Drunken driving, indiscipline behind spike in accidents: Goa CM Pramod Sawant
After Himachal Pradesh, Rajendra Arlekar now appointed as governor of Bihar
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI/VASCO: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday appointed Himachal Pradesh governor Rajendra Arlekar as the governor of Bihar. Arlekar was appointed as the Himachal Pradesh governor in July 2021.“No state is big or small. The only thing is that you need to work with passion,” Arlekar said when asked for his reaction to being posted to a bigger state now. He told the media that each state has its own history, geography, and culture, and that comparing them would be inappropriate. As governors, we look at the state’s administration, people’s problems, and their aspirations, Arlekar said.He said people have high expectations from him in his new posting. “People of Bihar who have settled in Goa visited my house on Sunday following the news of my appointment. They have different expectations from me and have complimented me on my new assignment,” he said, adding that the people of Bihar feel good that a person from the place they live in is going as governor of their native state.The newly-appointed Bihar governor said he will be travelling to Shimla this week. He is presently in Goa to attend a family function. After that, he will take charge as governor of Bihar, he added.Arlekar was elevated as governor in July 2021. He was speaker of Goa assembly from 2012 till he was appointed forest and environment minister in the Laxmikant Parsekar government in October 2015A commerce graduate, Arlekar has been associated with the RSS since his childhood. He had worked closely with former chief minister Manohar Parrikar in building the party in the state. Arlekar was also a member of the party’s core committee.He had successfully contested assembly elections in 2002 from the Vasco da Gama constituency. In 2007, he lost the seat, and in 2012, entered the assembly as representative of the Pernem constituency. In 2017, however, Arlekar couldn’t retain the seat.

After Himachal Pradesh, Rajendra Arlekar now appointed as governor of Bihar
Centre’s redevpt plan has Vasco, Sanvordem stns
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

Margao: Vasco and Sanvordem figure in the list of 51 railway stations of South Western Railway (SWR) earmarked for redevelopment under the Centre’s Amrit Bharat scheme in the annual budget.Already, the Bengaluru cantonment and Yesvantpur stations have been taken up for redevelopment. “It has been the vision of PM Narendra Modi to offer world class amenities to every common railway passenger. In line with it, all major stations are being redeveloped,” an SWR spokesperson said. Amrit Bharat is a policy for major upgradation of stations with an objective to improve the ease of movement of passengers and integration of the station with surrounding areas.“Architectural planning will be given due importance to improve the overall look of the stations. Emphasis will also be on upgradation of the station building — iconic structures with modern, state-of-the-art facilities and futuristic design, with entry from both sides, ease of access to passengers, roof plaza, etc. The upgraded stations will have a focus on sustainability, and stations would emerge as ‘city centres’ with amenities for leisure, infotainment, business, and retail outlets.”A budget of Rs 30,000 crore has been set aside for the purpose.Despite adverse observations made by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowerment Committee (CEC) on the Hosapete-Tinaighat-Vasco track-doubling project, Rs 400 crore has been allotted for the project in the 2023-24 budget, and Rs 20 crores for the electrification of the route. A press note by SWR stated that the highest-ever capital allocation of Rs 2.4 lakh crore has been made for the Union railways ministry in the 2023-24 budget.

Centre’s redevpt plan has Vasco, Sanvordem stns
9% rise in 2022 road accidents in Goa, 271 lives lost in 3,011 crashes
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

PANAJI: In a shocking revelation, it has been found that two-third of the people who died in road accidents in 2022 were on two-wheelers. The state also witnessed a rise of almost 9% in road accidents during the year. As per the Goa police traffic cell data, 3,011 road accidents were reported in 2022, out of which 253 were fatal wherein 271 succumbed to injuries. A total number of 181 persons on two-wheelers died in the accidents while 51 pedestrians lost their lives.In 2021, 2,849 accidents were reported, out of which 218 were fatal. Almost 226 persons lost their lives. A total number of 152 persons on two-wheelers died while 36 pedestrians lost their lives. The highest number of accidents in North Goa were reported in the jurisdiction of Panaji police (211) followed by Mapusa (182) and Porvorim (157). Though Panaji to Mapusa via Porvorim route is the busiest for traffic movement, it has been revealed that maximum number of people lost their lives in the police jurisdiction of Pernem (16), Bicholim (15) and Agasaim (14). In South Goa, the highest number of accidents were reported in the Ponda police station jurisdiction (24), followed by Verna (16) and Vasco (12). The maximum number of people who lost their lives in the same police jurisdiction were: Ponda (25), Verna (17) and Vasco (13).In October 2022, Goa police constituted a 3-member committee under the chairmanship of IGP Omvir Singh and other members, including DIGP Aslam Khan and SP Shekhar Prabhudessai to suggest measures to be undertaken by various stakeholders and road owning agencies to prevent and reduce accidents. Chief minister Pramod Sawant attributed nearly 95% of the road accidents that happen at night to drunken driving. “There has been a rise in accidents at night and this may be because of driving under the influence of alcohol. There is a need to stop 100% of the accidents happening due to this, we need to take steps,” Sawant had said.In a major accident in July 2022, four people died in the early hours after the car they were travelling in crashed into the railings of Zuari bridge and plunged into the river. A joint operation conducted by state agencies and the Indian Navy lasted for almost 12 hours, and culminated in the vehicle being retrieved with all four bodies still inside.The four were on their way from Loutolim to Panaji to celebrate the birthday of one of the occupants. Police said that they had cut a cake before leaving for Panaji for dinner, since restaurants in the village were closed due to the ensuing panchayat elections. Police said that the driver of the vehicle lost control and it rammed into the bridge’s railings.

9% rise in 2022 road accidents in Goa, 271 lives lost in 3,011 crashes
  • Study by Goa Medical College doctors finds 12.7% road accidents due to alcohol consumption
  • Times of India

    PANAJI: A study on road traffic accidents (RTAs) conducted by two doctors from the Goa Medical College and covering 440 cases found that a large number of drivers—13.04%—drove without a licence and that a sizeable number had consumed alcohol, thus placing themselves and others at risk.As per the study, the use of alcohol within six hours before the accident was noted in 38 (12.7%) of the victims who were in the driver’s seat. It also found that 234 (65.4%) had not used a seat belt or worn a helmet and that 350 (79.5%) suffered grievous injuries as opposed to 90 who sustained simple injuries.‘A Study of Road Traffic Injury Victims at the Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa’ by Dr Abhishek Bicholkar and Dr Jagadish Cacodkar was published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care in 2022.The study has attempted to highlight the root causes of RTAs and to study injury patterns in victims. It found that 40 victims (9.1%) reported regular use of alcohol, while 32 reported smoking.As many as 90 (23.6%) victims did not own the vehicle involved in the accident. It either belonged to a friend, relative or employer. A majority, 134 (30.4%) were in the age group of 30-40, whereas more than half were in the 20-55 age bracket, a key wage-earning and child-raising group.As many as 114 (25.9%) were in the 20-30 age group. Also, the majority, 322 (73.2%) of the victims were men and 118 (26.8%) women. More than half the victims were married, and 144 were single. Other victims were either widows, divorcees, or separated from their spouses. The loss of a breadwinner or head of the household in a road accident, an injury, or a disability can be catastrophic to a family and often lead to a lower standard of living, and drives them deeper into poverty, the study noted.Also, 46 victims reported an obstruction on the road, which caused the accident. Most of the hurdles were in the form of animals crossing the road or cattle sitting on the road. Movable dividers lying across the road, a pedestrian, road construction debris, or other objects such as fallen tree branches accounted for some of the accidents. The study concluded there was a need to increase awareness among road users and the community regarding road safety. Government authorities should ensure consistent and strict implementation of traffic rules and accelerate the implementation of road-safety preventive measures, the study stated.

Goa: Citizens allege river diversion and coal handling linked, protest at MPA
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

VASCO/MARGAO: Citizens protested outside the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) on Monday demanding that the MPA stop coal operations and immediately shift to green cargo and cruise tourism. They said that a large number of steel and power plants, which are water-guzzling industries, have been proposed near the Malaprabha river basin, and that coal handling in Goa and the diversion of the Mhadei are linked.The protesters said that the Mhadei is being diverted only to benefit these steel plants and not for the farmers or drinking water purposes for locals, as is being falsely portrayed. The coal used by these steel plants is being transported from MPA to Karnataka via the rail network, they alleged.“If coal handling is stopped in Goa, the water consumed by steel plants, which is much more than the diversion proposed, will be available for farmers in Karnataka. If coal handling is allowed in Goa, the diversion of the Mhadei at Kalsa and Bandura and, subsequently, the diversion of other rivers flowing across state borders is inevitable,” the protesters stated in a memorandum to the MPA chairperson. A large number of citizens held a peaceful rally under the banner of United Vascokars and Goans. “The coal transportation is purely for the steel plants and the profit of private corporations. There is no benefit for Goa,” the citizens stated in their memorandum to the MPA. “The Mhadei water crises will be resolved only when coal handling and transportation are stopped at MPA,” said green activist Abhijit Prabhudesai. The protesters condemned the state government for its failure to protect the state’s interests.

Goa: Citizens allege river diversion and coal handling linked, protest at MPA
Anil’s late strike helps Churchill move up
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

Vasco:Churchill Brothers FC were made to sweat for full points as the home side carved out a 1-0 win against Sudeva Delhi FC in a I-League clash at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Monday.Sudeva are bottom of the league table, that too without a win, but Sankarlal Chakraborty’s side pushed the home team to their limits.Churchill tried everything at their disposal before finally piercing through Sudeva’s hearts in the 83rd minute when Man-of-the-Match Anil Gaonkar broke the deadlock. The win helped Churchill move to the fifth spot with 20 points from 14 games, nine points away from league leaders Punjab FC. Sudeva remained anchored at the bottom with two points after 12 matches.Churchill’s start clearly showed urgency to score after coming into the fixture with a frustrating goalless draw against Real Kashmir FC at home.Emmanuel Yaghr and Momo Cisse tried headers but didn’t trouble Sudeva custodian Priyant Singh.Then, Lamgoulen floated a dangerous ball inside the box and Priyant misjudged his collection, but Yaghr headed agonisingly wide with an open goal at his mercy.Churchill’s season has been plagued with injuries to their foreign players and soon the Goan side were hit with another blow as Uruguayan midfielder Martin Chaves had to be stretched out with a shoulder injury. After much hesitation, coach Fernando Varela had to replace Chaves with Senegalese forward Abdoulaye Sane, their top scorer.Sudeva, at the other end, were trying to make their efforts count, most precisely Alexis Gomez as the Argentine posed a real threat. First, Gomez forced Churchill keeper Albino Gomes to a diving save and then saw his promising effort hit the crossbar.The home team had more of the ball, but as its been this season for the two-time champions, finishing is what let them down.Just after the half an hour mark, Anil skilfully dribbled past a couple of Sudeva opponents on the left flank and crossed but it was difficult for onrushing Yaghr to keep his shot on target. Sane then attempted a bicycle kick while Ponif Vaz’s header fell straight to the goalkeeper.In the second half, Churchill’s quest for the opener continued against a stubborn Sudeva defence. Anil’s powerful effort was blocked and then unmarked Ponif missed a glorious opportunity after heading wide from close. Varela introduced Kapil Hoble after the hour mark in hope of opening the rival defence. That move didn’t pay off. However, it was another substitution late into the match that bore fruit. Talented Lalawmpuia Sailo replaced Kingslee Fernandes in the centre of midfield and the 19-year-old Mizoram medio cut open the Sudeva back line with a delightful through ball for Anil.Anil did equally well as he evaded his marker, got the ball on his stronger leg and unleashed a right-footer past Priyant in the 83rd minute for three important points.

Anil’s late strike helps Churchill move up
School annual Day held at at the BITS PILANI- Goa campus auditorium
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

St. Andrew’s Higher Secondary School, Vaddem, Vasco celebrated its grand Annual Day cum Prize Distribution Function at the BITS PILANI- Goa campus auditorium,Zuarinagar - Sancoale. Bhagirath Shetye, Chairman of Goa Board, Secondary and Higher Secondary education was the Chief Guest with D M Kulkarni, Dean General Administration of BITS Pilani being the Guest of Honour, Fr Benson Colaco, Manager of St. Andrew Institute, Vasco was the special Invitee to grace the function. The other special guests represented the wide spectrum of intelligensia from Heads of different Higher Secondaries of Goa, PTA members, parents, well-wishers and students. The auditorium reverberated with over 2000 enthusiastic audience witnessing the spectacular show. The celebration got underway with a ceremonial march of the dignified entourage led by the school’s General Secretary, Ashish Pal and Cultural Secretary, Shrushti Naik, all marching to the beat of the scintillating live music by JAZZMATAZZ. The dignitaries were then accorded a warm welcome by the school Manager, Fr. Constancio Carvalho followed by the presenting of theschool report and its achievements by the Principal, Dr. Elvis Gonsalves. The formal program entailed the prize distribution for students excelling in academics and co- curricular activities followed by felicitating the long serving staff who had completed 25 years of dedicated and meritorious service to the DSE. The highlight of the evening was the crowning of Mr and Miss Andrews for the year 2022-23, which were bagged by Wesley D’sa and Gracina Colaco. The inaugural issue of the annual school magazine ‘ANDLIT’ was also released, which contains a collection of creative and enlightening literary articles of students and staff, aligning to the maxim - Beyond books, Igniting minds. The cultural program, MYSTICAL INDIA took the audience into a journey of cultural extravaganzawhere all the 920 students were given the opportunity to participate. The travel through some of the states of India showcased the vibrant, rich and living culture through skits, choral singing, mimes, fashion show, folk and classical dances. The depth of the performance, digital effects and the extraordinary depiction of mystical India took the audience through a dazzling journey which set to re-enforce India’s unity amidst diversity where the varied culture, beliefs, festivals etc immaculatelyfit into a jigsaw of an amalgamated country, India.

School annual Day held at at the BITS PILANI- Goa campus auditorium
NEW ZUARI BRIDGE LEAVES COMMUTERS, LOCALS HAPPY
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |


With commute time cut to half, locals anticipate stress-free travel

The new Zuari Bridge was inaugurated on December 29 and travelling between North and South Goa will never be the same again. The crucial connection over the river – which was the old Zuari bridge – was plagued by traffic snarls and was a nightmare, especially in the tourist season. But about two weeks after the new bridge was thrown open, Goa Times took a drive down the road to find pleased commuters, happy traffic cops and a general sense of ease all around.THE REAL TEST IS DURING THE MONSOONAnzil Fernandes, a lecturer who travels from Margao to Mapusa, points out that the litmus test for traffic on that stretch will be in the monsoons. “Atal Setu, which connects Panaji to Porvorim, had potholes after the monsoons. So we have to see what happens on the new Zuari bridge. I hope we don’t have to go back to the old bridge,” he adds.


With commute time cut to half, locals anticipate stress-free travel


WAITING IN TRAFFIC FOR YEARS IS FINALLY PAID OFFAll commuters we spoke to said that their commute time between North and South Goa had reduced substantially. Brunilda Lourenco from Curtorim says that she reaches Panaji in just 40-45 minutes, while earlier, it would take her one and a half hours or more. “I can now get that extra sleep, which makes me feel fresher at work. At night, I would reach home at 9.30 pm at times, leaving my parents worried. The feel oftravelling on the bridge is exciting,” she says.Vanessa Rodrigues from Vasco travels to Panaji, where she works in the hotel industry. “I would wait for almost 2 hours or more and weekends and long holidays were the worst time. There were times I would stay over at my friend’s house or take a bus so that I didn’t have to drive. The road was a nightmare,” she says.NO HONKING, NO POLLUTION, SAY LOCALSThe traffic jam and bottlenecks would start from Agacaim and continue till the old Zuari bridge. To avoid traffic, many would use the interior roads, which would cause more traffic jams inside the village, leaving locals to deal with the noise pollution. “I am so happy that I don’t have to put up with the honking outside my house. Earlier, many taxis would take this route. The few days before the inauguration was crazy, as my 2-year-old would wake up and cry,” says Katherine Fernandes, who has come to Goa from the UK for a holiday. Santana from Cortalim says all her clothes would catch the grime and dust from the passing traffic, but now things were back to normal, leaving her happy.

NEW ZUARI BRIDGE LEAVES COMMUTERS, LOCALS HAPPY
Mormugao council faces staff crunch
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

Vasco: Mormugao municipal council (MMC) is facing a shortage of workers, however, the council has failed to approve the recommendations of the departmental promotion committee (DPC) since the past several years.Sources said that due to this, promotions of several employees have lapsed. The ‘A’ class municipality comprises 25 wards, with a population of around 2 lakh, while the voters’ list is over 80,000. The wards are spread in three constituencies — Mormugao, Vasco and Dabolim.Despite its wide geographical area, the council lacks working staff to cater to the needs of its population. Sources said that the civic body has failed to recruit the necessary staff, including LDCs, watchmen, drivers, safai workers, municipal inspectors and supervisors for over two decades. The strength of the staff which was sanctioned around 25 years ago has been lowered, thus affecting day-to-day works, including cleaning and lifting of garbage from the wards.The staff which was supposed to be recruited under harness cases, that is following deaths of parents, is still pending. The council has also failed to recruit necessary staff citing financial crunch.In the recent ordinary meeting held on January 18, councillors Fredrick Henriques, Deepak Naik and Yatin Kamurlekar raised the issue of lapsed posts under DPC, wherein chief officer Jayant Tari and chairperson Leo Rodrigues assured the councillors to recruit all necessary staff and promote employees under DPC.

Mormugao council faces staff crunch
March deadline for Vasco-Castle Rock track electrification
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

Margao: South Western Railway (SWR) has set March 2023 as its target to complete the track electrification of the Vasco-Castle Rock section. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 380 crore.Railway sources said that while electrification work on the Vasco-Kulem section is nearing completion, that on the Kulem-Castle Rock jsection has begun gaining traction. However, the difficult terrain of the Braganza Ghat section between Castle Rock and Kulem is posing challenges to the engineering team, sources associated with the project said. Chief public relations officer, SWR, Hubbali, Aneesh Hegde, while confirming the March 2023 target for the Vasco–Castle Rock track electrification work, said that the traction sub-station at Kulem is also targeted for completion in March this year.“The sub-station work is complete, but work on the transmission line is in progress. Railways is coordinating closely with the forest department for obtaining necessary permissions/procedure,” Hegde told TOI.Once the electrification work is complete, it will provide seamless electric traction right from Vasco to Ballari and beyond, Hegde said. The Ballari - Hosapete - Tinaighat section is already electrified.“This will enable huge savings and reduce dependency on diesel apart from avoiding air pollution,” Hegde said.The doubling work of the 352.58 km Hospet to Vasco line is being done at an estimated cost of Rs 3,692 crore.

March deadline for Vasco-Castle Rock track electrification