The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) is considering launching a special roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) train service to transport cars during the upcoming Ganpati festival, provided there is sufficient demand, said Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha. The proposal requires a minimum of 40 cars per trip to be viable.

The Ro-Ro service, which traditionally carries trucks along with drivers, would need modifications to accommodate passenger cars. “I promise you that this time during Ganpati, I will announce a special Ro-Ro train,” Jha stated during a press briefing at KRCL headquarters in Belapur, Navi Mumbai. He noted the surprise demand to transport personal cars 750 km to Mangaluru, a journey that takes 24 to 26 hours by Ro-Ro.

Jha highlighted KRCL’s solid financial performance, reporting a net profit of Rs 3.01 billion in FY 2023–24. Preliminary estimates for the last financial year suggest a profit between Rs 1.4 billion and Rs 1.5 billion. “Except for two COVID-affected years, Konkan Railway has always remained profitable,” he said, attributing the gains to project execution and operations.

Over the last 15 months, KRCL secured new projects worth Rs 31.5 billion through tenders and is currently executing work valued at Rs 40.87 billion. “We already hold Rs 72 billion in work orders and aim to secure Rs 150 billion more this year. I’m confident we will meet this target,” said Jha.

Passenger amenities are also receiving focus, with Rs 1.25 billion earmarked over three years for platform extensions, foot overbridges, and retiring rooms. Additionally, the Maharashtra Public Works Department has invested Rs 990 million in upgrading 11 KRCL stations, while MIDC is spending Rs 390 million solely on modernising Ratnagiri station, expected to see a full makeover by year-end.

KRCL has also sent a proposal to the Railway Board to reinstate eight halts discontinued during the pandemic.

Jha acknowledged the single-line limitation of the Konkan Railway route, barring a 47-km stretch. A proposal for patch doubling, estimated at Rs 51 billion, awaits ministerial assistance.

The corporation currently carries a debt of Rs 27.5 billion, with plans to repay Rs 6 billion during the current financial year. Jha also revealed that the corporation has submitted alternatives for tunnel construction at Pernem and Old Goa, which have received in-principle approval but are awaiting further clearances. He confirmed the structural stability of the tunnels in question.