Goa, Sept. 1 -- Despite wide-spread protests over the past several years, the Un-ion Ministry of Railways on Sunday announced commissioning 312-kilometre dou-ble-tracked stretch in Kar-nataka, from Hosapete to Tinaighat, as part of the 363-km Hosapete-Vasco da Gama project, drawing the ire of the Opposition, which alleged that the "insensi-tive" government is hell-bent on destroying Goa.

The officials said the upgraded line will speed up coal, iron ore and steel freight movement, while also improving passenger connectivity and boosting tourism to Goa and Hampi.

Reacting to the an-nouncement, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao said, "Already, the people of Mormugao are suffering due to coal transportation. Despite the opposition from t...