OPERATING DEPARTMENT – AN OVERVIEW:

Konkan Railway (KRCL) is a vital link between Mumbai and Mangalore traversing through a distance of 739 Km along Western Ghats. Its entire stretch is a unique verdant landscape delectable to the eyes. The entire stretch is having 91 tunnels and 171 major bridges some of which have found mention in the record books. Konkan Railway has proved to be a boon for the people of four states, which participated in the equity of this project. With the construction of this route the distance from Mumbai to Mangalore has been reduced by 1127 Kms resulting in reduction of journey time by a stupendous 26 hours.

General :

Konkan Railway section opened on 26th January 1998.

Jurisdiction        :   Roha (excluding) to Thokur (Inclusive)

Route Km            :   738.43

Gauge                  :   Broad Gauge.

States covered :   Maharashtra, Goa & Karnataka.

REGIONS:

Ratnagiri   -   Roha (excl.) to Sawantwadi Road (incl.)

Karwar      -   Sawantwadi Road (excl.) to Thokur (incl).

Konkan Railway created a history of sorts by affecting a turnaround in freight operations. For the first time, beginning from January 2006, the freight earnings surpassed passenger earnings on Konkan Railway. The trend has been maintained so far.

OPERATING PERFORMANCE IN A NUT SHELL

A) FREIGHT OPERATIONS

The freight earnings showed a quantum leap from Rs. 297.5 Crores in 2010-11 to Rs 320.00 Crores in 2011-12 with a growth rate of 7.5 % compared to the previous year. The originating loading during the year has increased by 60 % to 2.403 million tonnes and earnings by 66 % to Rs. 118.952 crore. The major commodities moved were Iron-Ore, Lime stone, Cement, Foodgrains and Fertilizer.

B) PASSENGER OPERATIONS

The first passenger train was run on Konkan Railway with effect from 20.03.1993 between Udupi and Mangalore. Since then there has been no looking back and a number of trains have been introduced or diverted via KRCL route thereafter.

A peculiar characteristic of Konkan Railway is hilly terrain and unstable formation. Incidence of soil-slippages and boulder falling take place due to vibration of moving trains; which jeopardize safety. In order to overcome this, Konkan Railway introduces Monsoon Time Table during monsoon months every year with speed restrictions of 75 KMPH and 90 KMPH on identified sections. This has ensured safe running of trains while maintaining punctuality also.

                                                                                                                                         updated on 10-05-2012