Margao: Work is underway by South Western Railway (SWR) to restart loading and unloading of iron ore at Curchorem-Sanvordem station due to rising demand for ore transport from Karnataka.In the recent divisional railway users consultative committee (DRUCC) meeting at Hubbali, officials announced that civil works will start soon at the station.The revival of loading and unloading facilities at Sanvordem follows opposition from neighbouring Kalay village regarding iron-ore unloading at the Kalay station. Officials discussed the growing iron ore demand from Karnataka and the need to capture this opportunity in iron ore transportation. The Karnataka-Goa iron ore corridor was identified as a significant growth opportunity.SWR is also determined to go ahead with the completion of the Margao-Vasco track doubling project, despite local opposition. With 55% progress achieved, SWR aims to complete the project in phases by June 2026, the committee members were informed.SWR plans to develop Vasco station into a model railway station, along with Ballari (Bellary). Divisional railway manager Balla Meena said that the upgrades will include digital display boards, organised parking facilities, wider entry gates, and escalators for smmother passenger convenience and station aesthetics.The Shantinagar new bridge project at Vasco stands at 70% completion and is expected to be ready by Dec 2025.DRUCC member Chandrakant Gawas, chair of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s logistics committee, presented several important suggestions.SWR also announced plans to expand CCTV coverage across all uncovered stations, with tenders being finalised for installation by March 2026.
