Latest news with #KonkanRailway
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Soon, travelling from Mumbai to Goa with your car on a train might be possible; find it how
Imagine packing your bags, driving your car onto a train, and relaxing in comfort while your vehicle hitches a ride alongside you all the way from Mumbai to Goa. This could soon be a reality as Konkan Railway plans to roll out a unique travel experience allowing passenger vehicles like cars and SUVs to be transported on trains. The experiment is likely to begin as early as this Ganapati festival season. Konkan Railway has already been a huge success with its 'Roll-on Roll-off' (Ro-Ro) facility that carries trucks over specially constructed wagons. Not only does this system reduce fuel consumption and travel time, but it also helps disperse traffic on the congested Konkan roads. Encouraged by the efficiency and popularity of this facility, the railway authority now wishes to experiment with its applicability to private passenger vehicles. Santosh Kumar Jha, Managing Director and Chairman of Konkan Railway added that they they have been transporting trucks for years, and might consider allowing private passenger vehicles too. What is the Ro-Ro model? Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) is a model where trucks are loaded onto specially adapted train wagons through a ramp system. These carriages are made in such a way that trucks are able to roll in and be parked safely. The maximum height of loaded vehicles is 3.425 m above road level. Truck drivers and their attendants accompany the vehicles and sleep within the cabin as they travel. The Ro-Ro service presently runs from Kolad in Maharashtra to Mangalore in Karnataka. To maintain cost-effectiveness, the train service only runs when there are at least 40 trucks available. The same will be the case with the passenger vehicle variant. Benefits for travelers The plan has thrilled both tourists and everyday commuters. Traveling by car from Mumbai to Goa normally takes 10 to 12 hours and involves sharp turns, ghats, and heavy lorries on the road. With the Ro-Ro passenger vehicle model, travelers can save time and energy, lower carbon footprints, and enjoy a leisurely ride while their cars are transported safely alongside. The concept is particularly favorable during monsoon , when landslides and waterlogging render highway travel unreliable. With the rail-based option, tourists can steer clear of pothole-filled roads and use their travel time for reading, relaxation, or witnessing scenic railway vistas. Konkan Railway is also making its infrastructure monsoon-proof. In a notable step, it has cut down the monsoon timetable duration by 10 days, which reflects enhanced preparedness. The monsoon schedule this year will be from June 15 to October 20. Further, Jha elaborated about new safety measures for the monsoon season, such as deployment of 636 trained personnel for round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable zones, reduced train speeds during poor visibility, installation of LED signals, and automated rain gauges at nine key stations to monitor rainfall intensity. If the pilot run succeeds, it can open the door for increased Ro-Ro services all over India, particularly other busy tourist routes. So this Ganapati season, rather than taking to the road, you might be able to take the train with your favorite car as a companion. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Konkan Railway seeks CM's help to prevent grid failures during rains
Mumbai: Konkan Railway (KR) has urged chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure an uninterrupted power supply from MSEDCL during the monsoon, warning that power grid failures could trap trains inside tunnels. Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd managing director Santosh Kumar Jha said, "The CM has taken the matter seriously and directed MSEDCL to act accordingly. " The entire KR route was electrified in 2022, and trains now operate on 25 kV electric traction. KR is on high alert with the monsoon timetable in effect from June 15 to Oct 20 — the duration has been reduced by 15 days compared to previous years. Sectional speeds are adjusted to ensure safety during this period of challenging weather. KRCL has intensified pre-monsoon measures, including extensive cleaning of drains and cuttings and execution of geo-safety works to prevent boulder falls and soil slips. ha said that 24x7 control rooms are operational in Belapur, Ratnagiri, and Madgaon throughout the monsoon. Medical teams are positioned at Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Verna, Madgaon, Karwar, and Udupi to handle any emergencies. Over 630 trained personnel will patrol vulnerable zones, supported by RMVs at nine key locations and excavator-mounted wagons at strategic points. Accident Relief Medical Vans with OTs are deployed at Ratnagiri and Verna. An Accident Relief Train (ART) is also stationed at Verna for rapid response. LED signals, self-recording rain gauges at nine stations, flood alert systems at key bridges, and anemometers at viaducts and major bridges help monitor rainfall and wind. Walkie-talkies, satellite phones, VHF sets, and 1-km interval EMC sockets ensure seamless communication. Real-time updates are available on or helpline 139.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- 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.
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.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Vizhinjam seaport commissioning: organising committee formed
An organising committee has been formed with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as the chief patron ahead of the scheduled official commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport on May 2. Ministers V. Sivankutty, Saji Cherian and G.R. Anil are the patrons, while Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan is the chairman of the organising committee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the seaport on May 2. According to Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan, a meeting was convened to review the preparation of the inauguration ceremony and make the event a grand moment in the history of the State. The major part of the phase one construction of the Vizhinjam port has been completed and handed over in December itself. During the three-month trial run period itself, the port witnessed the berthing of more ships than the expected numbers. Overall, around 265 ships have called at the port so far, and the port has also been able to handle about 5.5 lakh containers. Railway and road connectivity to the port are the two major projects the State government has been working on. Out of the 10.7 km of railway, 9.2 km of tunnel has been proposed as part of the rail connectivity project. The Detailed Project Report prepared by Konkan Railway has been approved by the Railway Ministry, and work will soon begin, said the Minister.
