Before 1961 or rather before 1954/55 when an economic blockade was imposed on the Portuguese administered Goa, the popular mode of transport from Goa to Bombay was by rail. Konkar Rly ( via Ratnagiri and Panvel ) did not exist then. So Goans travelled by train from Vasco/Margao to Londa which was run by WIP Rly. ( i.e. Western India Portuguese). Other stations in Goa from where Goans got into a train were Cansaulim, Majorda and Chandor. There was the spectacular Dudsagar Walterfall on the way especially in July and August. There were two custons outposts. one in Collem ( where incoming Goans were subjected to inoculations agains any contagious diseases ) and Castle Rock ( where Goans on their way to Bombay were searched for smuggled foreign goods, especially liquor )
Al Londa, passengers had to join another train which came from Bangalore and going all the way to Poona. The stretch from Londa to Poona was metre gauge just like Vasco Londa one. On this line trains were run by MSM Rlys. ( Madras and Southern Maratha Rlys) This train halted at important centres like Belgaum and Miraj. Once in Poona, Goans had to get in Bombay bound train which was comparatively a faster train as it was run on broad gauge track.This section was run by GIP Rlys. ( Great India Peninsular Rly. )and this train halted at scenic spots on the Ghat mountains like Khandala, Lonavla and (Matheran) . The train finally reached iin Victoria Terminus station (VT) in south Bombay city. from where Goans went on horse drawn tongas to their residences in Dobhitalao ,Byculla and Mazagon. As stated above ,Goa was under an economic blockade from 1954/55 to 1961. During this period Vasco/ /Londa train was discontinued. Goan borders were sealed from north to south except for a small entry ;point in the south of Goa called Majalli village. For a Goan from Bombay to reach Majalli, he had to travel by train from VT to Londa or Hubli where he took a bus to Karwar . From here he entered Goa though Majalli border outpost and continued his journey by bus to Canacona and Margao.