QUEPEM, March 17 -- Team Herald

Former Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has called upon the Goa government to prioritise the voices of local residents before proceeding with the controversial double-tracking project by the Indian Railways.

Prabhu, who was here to attend Shigmotsav Parade, emphasised the importance of public consultation in any developmental project.

"Public hearing is a must for any project. It was made mandatory in 1998. Without public hearing, any project can be challenged in court," Prabhu said while speaking to the media. He stressed that the Goa government must give due consideration to the concerns of local communities, particularly in villages like Velsao and Cansaulim, where residents have strongly opposed the pr...