RORO
means Roll-on/roll-off, where loaded trucks are directly carried by railway
wagons to their destination. Konkan Railways passes through tough terrains of
India. There is NH-66 passing through same route. Truck drivers find it
extremely difficult to drive loaded trucks through ghats, undulating surfaces,
narrow roads and poor road and weather conditions. The KRC came with concept of
RORO, where loaded trucks are moved on wagons and are travelled by train. This
has helped in saving of fuels, decrease in wear and tear of lorries (trucks),
relief to drivers of driving in extreme conditions, can reach faster to
destination. This also helps in decongestion of roads and lowering of
pollution. This concept has been beneficial for both truck operators and KRCL. (Image Source: www.railpictures.net)
Introduction of Roll-on Roll-off
services has been a win-win situation for railways, road transporters as well
as the Nation. Roll-on Roll-off is an innovative means of establishing a
synergistic relationship between the railways and the roadways instead of being
competitors. The service has helped the railways to get back the piecemeal
traffic which had got diverted to the road sector. The service benefits the
truck owners as well as the railways, while saving precious diesel for the
country. It saves wear and tear of tyres, reduces maintenance cost of trucks,
enables faster turn-round of trucks, faster delivery of goods, gives higher
profits, less pollution, and better road safety. Also decongests the National
Highway and gives a hassle-free ride to the truck drivers.
There are two services of
Roll-on Roll-off - one between Kolad (145 km from Mumbai) and Verna (a distance
of 417 km), and second between Kolad and Surathkal (a distance of 721 km).
Delivery is within 12 hrs for Kolad-Verna, within 22 hrs for Kolad-Surathkal,
which by road would take atleast about 24 hrs and 40 hrs respectively.
For Video Click Here: KONKAN RAILWAY CROSSINGS