Latest news with #KonkanRailwayCorporationLimited
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Konkan Railway may run Ro-Ro train service to transport cars, says official
The Konkan Railway will explore the possibility of running a special roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) train service for transporting cars during the upcoming Ganapti festival, if there is sufficient public demand, a top official said. It will be possible to operate such a service if there are at least 40 cars to be transported at a time, Konkan Railway Corporation Limited's Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha told reporters at the KRCL headquarters at Belapur in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday. Asked why the KR does not transport passenger cars by its pioneering Ro-Ro services during the Ganpati festival, Jha said they will have to make changes for ferrying cars on wagons. The Konkan Railway's Ro-Ro service, which allows vehicles to be transported along with their drivers, has traditionally been used for trucks. "I promise you that this time in Ganpati I will announce a special train (Ro-Ro)," Jha said. The official said he did not know people would want to transport their expensive cars 750 km away. It takes 24 to 26 hours to reach Mangaluru (in Karnataka) by Ro-Ro from here and for that one has to buy a second class ticket from the driver. Highlighting that KR is not a loss-making corporation, Jha said it generated a net profit of Rs 301 crore in 2023-24. As per unpublished reports, the corporation is expected to register a profit of Rs 140-150 crore in the last financial year. "The Konkan Railway was always in profit, barring two years of COVID-19," Jha said, adding the KR is generating profits from the operations and execution of projects. The corporation got projects valued at Rs 3,150 crore through tendering processes in the last 15 months and is already executing works of Rs 4,087 crore, the official said. "About Rs 7,200 crore of work orders are already in my hand and this year, we have targeted to get Rs 15,000 crore of orders. I have full faith that we will achieve this target," Jha said. The KR has planned to spend Rs 125 crore for various passengers amenities, including platform extension, construction of FOBs (foot overbridges) and providing retiring rooms, at railway stations in the next three years, he said. The Public Works Department of Maharashtra has spent Rs 99 crore for the development of 11 stations on the KR network. Now, the MIDC is spending Rs 39 crore on Ratnagiri station alone for providing facilities, he said. "You will see a full facelift of the Ratnagiri station before this year-end," the official said. Also, the KR has sent a proposal to the Railway Board for the restoration of eight halts which were discontinued during the COVID-19 time, he said. The official further said the entire Konkan Railway route is currently single line, except for a 47-km-long section, and they have proposed patch doubling works, estimated to cost Rs 5,100 crores, but these works need ministerial help. At present, the Konkan Railway has about Rs 2,750 crore loan to repay and the corporation has planned to clear Rs 600 crore dues of it during this financial year, he said. Jha also said they have proposed alternatives for Pernem and Old Goa tunnel construction and the work has received an in-principle approval, but function allocation is awaited. The tunnels are not unstable, he added.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Konkan Railway to explore running Ro-Ro train to ferry cars if adequate demand
The Konkan Railway will explore the possibility of running a special roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) train service for transporting cars during the upcoming Ganapti festival, if there is sufficient public demand, a top official said. It will be possible to operate such a service if there are at least 40 cars to be transported at a time, Konkan Railway Corporation Limited's Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha told reporters at the KRCL headquarters at Belapur in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday. Asked why the KR does not transport passenger cars by its pioneering Ro-Ro services during the Ganpati festival, Jha said they will have to make changes for ferrying cars on wagons. The Konkan Railway's Ro-Ro service, which allows vehicles to be transported along with their drivers, has traditionally been used for trucks. "I promise you that this time in Ganpati I will announce a special train (Ro-Ro)," Jha said. The official said he did not know people would want to transport their expensive cars 750 km away. It takes 24 to 26 hours to reach Mangaluru (in Karnataka) by Ro-Ro from here and for that one has to buy a second class ticket from the driver. Highlighting that KR is not a loss-making corporation, Jha said it generated a net profit of ₹301 crore in 2023-24. As per unpublished reports, the corporation is expected to register a profit of ₹140-150 crore in the last financial year. "The Konkan Railway was always in profit, barring two years of COVID-19," Jha said, adding the KR is generating profits from the operations and execution of projects. The corporation got projects valued at ₹3,150 crore through tendering processes in the last 15 months and is already executing works of ₹4,087 crore, the official said. "About ₹7,200 crore of work orders are already in my hand and this year, we have targeted to get ₹15,000 crore of orders. I have full faith that we will achieve this target," Jha said. The KR has planned to spend ₹125 crore for various passengers amenities, including platform extension, construction of FOBs (foot overbridges) and providing retiring rooms, at railway stations in the next three years, he said. The Public Works Department of Maharashtra has spent ₹99 crore for the development of 11 stations on the KR network. Now, the MIDC is spending ₹39 crore on Ratnagiri station alone for providing facilities, he said. "You will see a full facelift of the Ratnagiri station before this year-end," the official said. Also, the KR has sent a proposal to the Railway Board for the restoration of eight halts which were discontinued during the COVID-19 time, he said. The official further said the entire Konkan Railway route is currently single line, except for a 47-km-long section, and they have proposed patch doubling works, estimated to cost ₹5,100 crores, but these works need ministerial help. At present, the Konkan Railway has about ₹2,750 crore loan to repay and the corporation has planned to clear ₹600 crore dues of it during this financial year, he said. Jha also said they have proposed alternatives for Pernem and Old Goa tunnel construction and the work has received an in-principle approval, but function allocation is awaited. The tunnels are not unstable, he added.
Mint
7 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Konkan Railway may run Ro-Ro train service to ferry cars if adequate demand: Official
Mumbai, Jun 4 (PTI) The Konkan Railway will explore the possibility of running a special roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) train service for transporting cars during the upcoming Ganapti festival, if there is sufficient public demand, a top official said. It will be possible to operate such a service if there are at least 40 cars to be transported at a time, Konkan Railway Corporation Limited's Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha told reporters at the KRCL headquarters at Belapur in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday. Asked why the KR does not transport passenger cars by its pioneering Ro-Ro services during the Ganpati festival, Jha said they will have to make changes for ferrying cars on wagons. The Konkan Railway's Ro-Ro service, which allows vehicles to be transported along with their drivers, has traditionally been used for trucks. "I promise you that this time in Ganpati I will announce a special train (Ro-Ro)," Jha said. The official said he did not know people would want to transport their expensive cars 750 km away. It takes 24 to 26 hours to reach Mangaluru (in Karnataka) by Ro-Ro from here and for that one has to buy a second class ticket from the driver. Highlighting that KR is not a loss-making corporation, Jha said it generated a net profit of ₹ 301 crore in 2023-24. As per unpublished reports, the corporation is expected to register a profit of ₹ 140-150 crore in the last financial year. "The Konkan Railway was always in profit, barring two years of COVID-19," Jha said, adding the KR is generating profits from the operations and execution of projects. The corporation got projects valued at ₹ 3,150 crore through tendering processes in the last 15 months and is already executing works of ₹ 4,087 crore, the official said. "About ₹ 7,200 crore of work orders are already in my hand and this year, we have targeted to get ₹ 15,000 crore of orders. I have full faith that we will achieve this target," Jha said. The KR has planned to spend ₹ 125 crore for various passengers amenities, including platform extension, construction of FOBs (foot overbridges) and providing retiring rooms, at railway stations in the next three years, he said. The Public Works Department of Maharashtra has spent ₹ 99 crore for the development of 11 stations on the KR network. Now, the MIDC is spending ₹ 39 crore on Ratnagiri station alone for providing facilities, he said. "You will see a full facelift of the Ratnagiri station before this year-end," the official said. Also, the KR has sent a proposal to the Railway Board for the restoration of eight halts which were discontinued during the COVID-19 time, he said. The official further said the entire Konkan Railway route is currently single line, except for a 47-km-long section, and they have proposed patch doubling works, estimated to cost ₹ 5,100 crores, but these works need ministerial help. At present, the Konkan Railway has about ₹ 2,750 crore loan to repay and the corporation has planned to clear ₹ 600 crore dues of it during this financial year, he said. Jha also said they have proposed alternatives for Pernem and Old Goa tunnel construction and the work has received an in-principle approval, but function allocation is awaited. The tunnels are not unstable, he added.
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.
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
