Ex-CM Parrikar opposes monorail project in Goa Panaji | October 08, 2005 5:48:08 PM IST
Alleging vested interest behind the proposed Rs 3000 crore monorail project in Goa, former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the ''dream project has been tailor made'' to suit a Bangalore-based party. The BJP leader, however, did not identify the Bangalore-based party. Interacting with media persons here, the Opposition Leader in the State Assembly found fault with the Pratapsingh Rane Government for floating global tenders for the project. The tenders seeking expression of interest for undertaking the feasibility as also executing the project on BOO/BOOT basis was not legally tenable, the BJP leader said. Stating that the project, proposed between Mapusa and Margao via Panaji, was not suited to meet the future demand of mass rapid transport in Goa, Mr Parrikar said the Congress-led Government should have thought of alternatives like the 'SkyBus' of the Konkan Railway which was cheaper, affordable and pollution free. It was surprising how the Government advertised seeking expression of interest without carrying out a survey of its own. The bidder had to do the survey, prepare a feasibility report and undertake the job also for the elevated monorail project which was not commercially viable, Mr Parrikar, a technocrat, said. Regarding another Rs 320 crore project at Shelwonn village near Curchorim railway station for pollution free iron ore storage and transport system, he said the villagers were objecting to it. The project envisaged pipe-suction of fine iron ore brought by trucks from Bellary and Hosepet to Curchorim facility directly into barges through a cavern storage without causing any pollution, for which exporting companies had to share the costs. But exporting companies, except one, backed out of the proposal, he said. If nothing materialises, the Government should stop the companies from exporting the iron ore through Mormugao port as it had not been benefitting the State a single paisa by way of revenue, the former CM added. UNI BM RSY AD ND1634