Goa government considers rail connectivity for Mopa airport
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant proposed a fast shuttle service linking Sindhudurg, Karwar, Canacona and Margao to the airport.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Friday that the government is actively considering a rail link to Manohar International Airport in Mopa. According to The Times of India, the proposal includes a fast shuttle service connecting Sindhudurg, Karwar, Canacona and Margao.
Sawant spoke at the Margao railway station during the inauguration of the Yeshwantpur-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train virtually from Bengaluru.
The Chief Minister stated that he has submitted a proposal to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for a shuttle running from Sindhudurg to Karwar. He said the plan involves running two to three trains a day to help passengers reach destinations like Margao or Canacona in the shortest time.
Sawant noted that passenger counts on the Konkan Railway route have increased since Mopa began operations. He added that a proposed station at Mayem would serve people from the Bicholim and Sattari talukas.
Regarding the new Vande Bharat service, Sawant said it would connect Bengaluru's IT sector to Goa's tourism sector. He mentioned the train would benefit regular commuters along the Goa-Mangaluru coast and visitors from Bengaluru.
Prime Minister Modi, speaking in Bengaluru after inaugurating projects worth over Rs 15,600 crore, said the train connects Karnataka to Goa. He noted the service would provide a semi-high-speed travel experience for commuters along the coastal route, including Mangaluru.