Latest news with #KRCL
Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Konkan Railway launches full-fledged monsoon action plan for smooth travel of passengers
The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) has increased its monsoon preparedness to provide secure and uninterrupted travel for passengers, preparing for heavy rains along the Konkan coast. The 740-km Konkan railway track is known for its picturesque but difficult terrain, making it vulnerable to landslides, soil erosion, and waterlogging during monsoon. To confront all such challenges head-on, KRCL has initiated a full-fledged monsoon action plan with the safety of infrastructure, real-time surveillance, and emergency preparedness as the focus. 'The largest relief to passengers is that services will be run without any disruption even in the midst of heavy rainfall — thanks to advanced planning, enhanced safety systems, and increased patrolling,' said Santosh Kumar Jha, chairman and managing director of Konkan Railway on Tuesday. This year, the monsoon schedule will remain in force from June 15 to October 20 with modified sectional speeds to factor in weather-related hazards. To increase security, 636 trained staff are deputed for continuous patrolling at the infamous and weak points. Rail Maintenance Vehicles (RMVs), accident relief trains, and medical teams have been placed at strategic points covering major stations such as Ratnagiri, Verna, Madgaon, and Udupi. According to officials, rescue equipment and staff can be mobilised in the event of any disruption within minutes. Konkan Railway Gears Up for Monsoon-2025. — Konkan Railway (@KonkanRailway) June 3, 2025 'One of the most important initiatives implemented this year was the successful installation of flood warning systems at large rivers and viaducts. These alert the railway personnel when water levels reach hazardous points, enabling timely stoppages and avoiding accidents,' Jha added. Anemometers have also been installed on bridges to measure wind speeds, which can be dangerous for train movement. Passengers are also guaranteed by the KRCL of uninterrupted communication assistance. Control rooms and walkie-talkies are all connected with high-powered VHF radio sets, mobile phones, and satellite phones. Emergency Communication (EMC) outlets are placed each kilometre for field personnel to report emergencies immediately. To prevent landslides and boulder falls, major drainage and slope stabilisation works have already been completed. According to officials, these measures have significantly reduced track disruptions during monsoon over the last decade. 'For real-time updates, passengers are advised to visit the KRCL website or call the 139 helpline. With 24×7 control rooms and daily coordination with the India Meteorological Department, KRCL remains committed to passenger safety and convenience. With these preparations on hand, Konkan Railway is ready to provide a safe and picturesque ride even during the dangerous rain,' said a KRCL spokesperson.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Land acquisition delay hits Vizhinjam rail line work
T'puram: The tunnel portion of the railway line from Balaramapuram to Vizhinjam port is not progressing as expected due to land acquisition issues. Of the 10.7km railway line, 9.02km is underground. The project was approved by the railways and the environment ministry. However, not much has happened since the state cabinet approved the project in March. The issue was discussed at a meeting MPs had with Southern railway officials recently. Sources said that MPs raised the issue of the railway line connecting Vizhinjam port, but railways informed them that not much has progressed after it received the state govt approval and land was earmarked. MPs decided to take it up with the state govt. The project, prepared by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL), will cost Rs 1,482.92 crore and is scheduled for completion in 2028. A GO has to be issued and a project execution chart will be prepared before work can commence by the KRCL. Development of Balaramapuram railway station will be taken up first and then tunnel boring work and rail opening at Vizhinjam will be carried out simultaneously. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em São Bernardo Do Campo (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, told reporters after the meeting that work on the Vizhinjam railway line is not progressing because land acquisition is slow. He said that state govt should do its part quickly for such projects, including the Sabari railway line. A rail link to Vizhinjam is crucial for the port to start moving transhipment cargo by surface transport. The railway line will go inside the port and a loading and unloading yard will be constructed in front of the space marked in the port parallel to the container handling area. Currently, containers brought by motherships are moved to other ports across the country using feeder ships. The port, which is handling around 1 lakh to 1.10 lakh containers per month, is now planning to move containers by road as soon as the highway entry point is ready. This will be a temporary measure until the proposed cloverleaf flyover is built at the junction where NH-66, the port's approach road and the outer ring road intersect.
News18
23-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Why Konkan Railway Is Being Merged Into Indian Railways
Last Updated: The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) is set be merged into Indian Railways after receiving a final nod from the Maharashtra government in April 2025. The Konkan Railway, one of the most breathtaking and strategically crucial rail routes in the country, is now poised for a historic transition. After nearly three decades of functioning as a distinct entity, the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) is set be merged into Indian Railways, after receiving a final nod from the Maharashtra government last month. With Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala already on board, the path is now clear for complete integration of this engineering marvel into the national network. Established in 1990 as a special purpose vehicle under the Ministry of Railways, KRCL was tasked with the task of laying railway tracks through the formidable Western Ghats. Officially operational since January 1998, the 741-kilometre line stretches from Roha in Maharashtra through Goa and Karnataka to Kerala, drastically cutting travel time while providing critical connectivity to remote coastal areas. According to a report by The Indian Express, the route has not only been a lifeline for passenger and freight movement along the Konkan coast but also a symbol of engineering prowess. Born out of the need to bridge an infrastructural gap along India's western coastline, KRCL was formed as a joint venture with the Centre holding a 51% stake, Maharashtra 22%, Karnataka 15%, and both Goa and Kerala at 6% each. The project was among the most challenging ever undertaken by Indian Railways, requiring over 2,000 bridges and 92 tunnels to complete. The result was a rail line that remains one of the most scenic, and technically demanding, in the world. Why Is The Merger Happening Now? 1. Severe Financial Constraints 2. Unfulfilled Safety Promises KRCL had planned to install an Automatic Control Device (ACD) to enhance operational safety. However, the project was never implemented. With safety being a core priority for modern rail operations, the lack of progress on ACD installation became a major liability. 3. Sky Train Dreams That Never Took Off In a much-publicised move, KRCL had promised the launch of a futuristic 'Sky Train' project. The standalone model, once heralded as innovative, has now been deemed 'unsustainable" by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. As The Indian Express reports, Fadnavis emphasised that the merger would allow KRCL to 'leverage the route's huge investment base" through Indian Railways' significantly larger financial muscle. Maharashtra's Conditions And the Centre's Nod The Maharashtra government insisted on two key conditions for the agreement: first, that the iconic name 'Konkan Railway" be preserved post-merger to retain its regional identity and historic significance; second, that Indian Railways reimburse Maharashtra's original investment of over Rs 394 crore made during KRCL's formation in 1990. The Centre reportedly accepted both conditions, clearing the last hurdle to what could be a transformational shift for the region's rail infrastructure. What Comes Next And What Passengers Can Expect With all shareholder states now aligned, the final step lies with the Railway Board, which will oversee the technical, financial, and administrative transition. According to The Indian Express, the merger will entail realigning employee hierarchies, renegotiating service contracts, and standardising operational procedures. This process is expected to take several months. For passengers, the long-term impact is expected to be positive. The merger promises upgraded infrastructure, more frequent and better-connected trains, enhanced safety measures, and the integration of KRCL services with Indian Railways' centralised ticketing and grievance redressal systems. Fares could become more competitive, and travellers will likely enjoy a smoother, more standardised experience across routes. From cutting through ancient mountains to connecting four coastal states, the Konkan Railway has always been more than just a transport route – it has been a lifeline and a symbol of innovation. As it prepares to become part of the vast Indian Railways tapestry, the challenge will be to modernise without losing the charm and character that have defined it for generations. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India — including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news, EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Indian Railways Konkan Railway Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 23, 2025, 14:10 IST News auto Why Konkan Railway Is Being Merged Into Indian Railways | Explained
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Konkan Railway to merge with Indian Railways: Why now, what this will mean
The Maharashtra government last month officially agreed to merge the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways. With Goa, Karnataka and Kerala having already approved the merger, Maharashtra's decision clears the way for the complete integration of one of India's most scenic and strategically vital railway lines into the larger national network. The Konkan Railway (KR) was established in 1990 as a special purpose vehicle in the Ministry of Railways to carry out the difficult task of constructing railway lines through the rocky Western Ghats. The project, which officially began operations in January 1998, sought to connect Roha in Maharashtra, Goa, Mangaluru in Karnataka and coastal Kerala, and become a lifeline for both goods and passenger movement across the Konkan coast. With a length of 741 km, this scenic but commercially valuable rail route substantially reduced travel time, and connected distant areas to the major towns and cities of the shareholder states. The KRCL was formed as a joint venture in which the Government of India held a 51% stake, Maharashtra 22%, Karnataka 15%, and Goa and Kerala 6% each. The line was commissioned and completed in the early 1990s and has been a major route ever since, with KRCL always existing as a distinct entity from the Indian Railways. While being operationally successful, KRCL has been suffering from financial woes for years. With lesser revenues and increasing infrastructure demands, the company found it difficult to finance expansion or afford major upgrades. The approval of the Maharashtra government was conveyed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through a letter addressed to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This letter notably states that the 'standalone model' itself has become unsustainable, and joining hands with Indian Railways would enable KRCL to leverage the route's huge investment base. The merger thus can be a precursor to new projects along the route, improving connectivity, the frequency and quality of services, and ultimately benefiting local economies, tourism and employment in Maharashtra and beyond. Maharashtra's hold up thus far was due to the significant investment it had made for the establishment of the KRCL in 1990, and concerns about the Konkan route losing its importance if KRCL were to be merged with the Indian Railways. Fadnavis's letter says that any merger is subject to two conditions: one, that the name 'Konkan Railway' continues to be used even after the merger; and two, that Indian Railways reimburses Maharashtra with a sum of more than Rs 394 crore for the state's initial investment. The Centre has reportedly agreed to meet both these conditions. Now what? How will passengers be affected? The ball now rests in the court of the Railway Board. With all parties approving a merger, the Board will eventually get the process underway, which could entail a number of administrative, financial, and legal steps before the merger is actually completed. According to sources, the process is likely to involve reworking employee hierarchies, operational areas and service contracts, and could take some months to come to reality. Once that happens, however, the passengers are likely to benefit from upgraded infrastructure, improved frequency of trains, better security measures, and increased connectivity with other routes of Indian Railways. A merger could also translate into more competitive fares, seamless booking on Indian Railways channels, and standardised customer grievance redressal mechanisms, something that has long been a challenge for KR passengers.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Maharashtra gives consent for Konkan Railway's merger with Indian Railways
The Maharashtra government has given its consent for the merger of the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) with the Indian Railways, becoming the last of the shareholder states to agree to the proposal. The approval, however, is contingent on two conditions: reimbursement of the state's financial share in the corporation and retention of the name 'Konkan Railway' post-merger. In a letter addressed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw last month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the Maharashtra government supports the merger, provided the Indian Railways reimburses Rs 396.54 crore — the state's equity contribution to KRCL — and continues to use the 'Konkan Railway' name, acknowledging its regional and operational significance. 'I am pleased to convey the Maharashtra government's consent for the merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd with Indian Railways, subject to the reimbursement of Rs 396.5424 crore to Maharashtra, which was previously remitted to the corporation as the state's share. Additionally, the name 'Konkan Railway' be retained for the railway lines transferred to Indian Railways post-merger, in recognition of its significant regional legacy,' Fadnavis said in the letter. 'I request you to kindly instruct the Railway Board to initiate the process for the merger,' the letter stated. The development is considered as significant in view of the upcoming civic polls in Konkan. The people of Konkan have been demanding the merger for several years. The KRCL, established in the early 1990s, is a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways and the governments of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala. The original equity pattern comprised the Centre with 51% shareholding, followed by Maharashtra (22%), Karnataka (15%), and Goa and Kerala (6% each). The last revision of its capital structure took place in a board meeting held on November 9, 2011. 'The corporation, by its nature, has limited access to capital and funding. As a result, several important works like doubling of lines and upgrading infrastructure have been stalled or delayed. A merger with the Indian Railways would allow it to get central government funding and ensure faster implementation,' a senior Maharashtra government official said. Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, KRCL was set up to construct and operate a railway line through the difficult terrain of the Western Ghats, connecting Roha in Maharashtra to Mangalore in Kerala. The 741-km route, completed by the corporation, now serves as a crucial link for both regional and national train services, with several zonal railways also operating on the line. Fadnavis acknowledged that the corporation's limited income sources have hampered its ability to scale up operations and meet rising passenger and freight demand. With Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa already having submitted their written consents, Maharashtra's agreement paves the way for the Railway Board to initiate the formal process of merger.
