The Ministry of Railways has initiated the process to acquire an additional 6,007 sqm of land for the Hosapete-Hubballi-Tinaighat-Vasco da Gama railway line doubling project. The identified plots, with or without structures, fall within the project alignment, the ministry stated.
A notification issued under the Railways Act, 1989, specifies that the acquisition is for a public purpose. Notably, in 2020, then South Western Railway’s additional general manager, P.K. Mishra, had said that no fresh land would be required for track laying. The single-line track between Castle Rock and Vasco in Goa was laid over a century ago. Later, in 2010-11, the ministry sanctioned the 342km Hosapete-Vasco line doubling at a cost of Rs 2,127 crore.
Just a day ago, the ministry had announced readiness to begin double-track operations on the route. Now, it has sought 342 sqm in Cansaulim, 2,108 sqm in Issorcim, and 3,557 sqm in Sancoale. Landowners or those with vested interests have 30 days from the date of publication of the notification to submit their objections. The South Western Railway’s construction wing issued the notification on August 29 from Bengaluru.
Written objections must be filed with the land acquisition officer or deputy collector and the Mormugao sub-divisional officer. Claimants will be heard in person or through representatives before a final order is passed, with the competent authority’s decision deemed final. Land plans and plot details are available for inspection at the Vasco land acquisition office.
While railway officials maintain the project aims to improve connectivity and enable faster public travel, the Union ministry has separately indicated that the doubling is intended to speed up coal transportation.