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The iconic Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) is set to be formally integrated into Indian Railways following regulatory green lights from all principal stakeholders. The governments of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala have now issued the required no-objection certificates, paving the way for full merger of the 741 km coastal rail network.
Why the Merger Now?
KRCL was established in 1990 as a joint venture — 51 % by
the Union, and the remainder by the four coastal states—to build and operate
the challenging Western Ghats route that commenced full operations in January
1998. Despite delivering scenic and strategic connectivity, the Corporation has
struggled with constrained finances for upgrades like track doubling, tunnel
improvements, and modern safety systems.
Maharashtra’s Fadnavis emphasized in his letter that
"the standalone model itself has become unsustainable" and that
merging with Indian Railways will allow KRCL to leverage the umbrella’s deeper
investment capabilities.
Expected Passenger Benefits
Once merged, passengers can expect a range of
improvements:
·
Fare standardisation: Elimination of the current
“741 km + surcharge” fare structure in favour of unified Indian Railways
pricing.
·
Service enhancements: better train frequency,
faster project execution (such as track doubling), improved passenger amenities
and heightened security.
·
Integrated booking and customer service:
Streamlined reservation, grievance redressal, and online ticketing under the IR
ecosystem
The ball now lies with the Railway Board to initiate
administrative, legal, and financial steps. The process involves realigning
employee structures, incorporating KRCL assets, and harmonising operational
systems. Officials indicate this could take several months before formal
integration is complete.
The Konkan Railway, a marvel of engineering traversing 92
tunnels and over 2,000 bridges across rugged Western Ghats terrain, connects
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala along a 741 km route. Its merger
symbolizes a step towards modernising one of India's most vital coastal
corridors—combining legacy charm with future-readiness.
After more than three decades as a unique regional joint
venture, the Konkan Railway is on the cusp of becoming a full-fledged part of
Indian Railways—promising better fares, infrastructure investment, and
streamlined services, while preserving the "Konkan Railway" identity.
Courtesy: Hindustan Times