Power minister prevents projects aimed at making Goa a coal hub

The infrastructure works aim to increase the port's handling capacity

Goa's power minister, Nilesh Cabral, on Tuesday rejected the Centre-funded infrastructure works that aim to make the state a coal hub by increasing the handling capacity of its Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), as pressure from coal opposition builds up, according to The Times of India.

Cabral told reporters that there would be no increase in coal in the state of Goabut the existing coal, may be 10-12 million metric [tons] annually, might continue for some time. Our government will see that no more than the existing capacity granted will come to MPT[.]

The proposed project is under the Centre's Sagarmala program, which expects Mormugao port to have an annual capacity of 51 million metric tons by 2035, and to ship coal supplies to existing and proposed steel plants in and around Karnataka.

The plan suggested the double tracking of the Hospet-Vasco rail line and four-laning of NH-4 from Panaji to Belagavi. Several jetties were also planned to be built along Goa's rivers for coal transportation.

ÔÇ£There's no question of Goa being a coal hub,ÔÇØ said Cabral, who also reiterated that all four projects under the Sagarmala program will be dropped.

The first project is the deepening of the approach channel, second is the development of two berths with a connecting flyover for the Indian Navy and the coast guard at Vasco Bay, the third is the construction of the outer harbor and iron ore and coal terminal, and finally, a multi-purpose terminal at Betul.

ÔÇ£I am not saying there will be no movement of goods, but I can assure you that we will restrict coal and produce a letter as proof under the leadership of the CM,ÔÇØ Cabral added.