Merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways gains Public Support
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways gains Public Support

The proposed merger between Konkan Railway and Indian Railways has garnered public support, unlike a previous bank merger that faced opposition. Shobha Karandlaje, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, has expressed her intention to merge Konkan Railway with Indian Railways, a proposition that has resonated with many, particularly various passenger railway forums in the region.

Karandlaje's announcement has been welcomed by Rajeev Gaonkar, the secretary of Uttara Kannada Railway Seva Samithi, who noted that they had made the same demand about six years ago. Gaonkar criticised Konkan Railway Corporation, accusing it of not serving the interests of the people. He proposed that the section from Mangaluru to Karwar be operated by South Western Railway, while the remainder should be taken over by Central Railway.

Hanumanth Kamath, the President of Paschima Karavali Railway Abhivraddi Samithi, expressed the frustrations of Mangalureans regarding the railway system in the area. The region from the Karnataka border to Thokur is divided between Southern Railway and South Western Railway, leading to logistical challenges. Kamath suggested that merging Konkan Railway with Indian Railways would address these issues.

Kamath also highlighted the perceived neglect of the region by Southern Railway, despite contributing a significant portion of their revenue through entities like MRPL, New Mangalore Port, and MCF. He believed that a merger with Indian Railways would provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities for the region.

However, there are doubts about the feasibility of the proposal. Anil Hegde, a rail activist, supported the idea but questioned whether the central government or the Railways would approve it. DK Bhat, the convener of Puttur Yatri Sangha, shared similar doubts about the proposal's likelihood of being accepted.

The proponents of the merger argue that it would expedite various development works, such as track doubling, enabling more passenger trains for the people of the DK and Udupi regions traveling to Mumbai. Konkan Railway officials refrained from commenting on Minister Karandlaje's proposal, stating that they cannot respond to a minister's statement.

The history of Konkan Railway dates back to 1993 when the first passenger train ran between Udupi and Mangaluru. The completed track was inaugurated on January 26, 1998, and the first passenger service train, numbered 12619/620, operated on May 1, 1998, on the entire 741 km network of Konkan Railway Corporation (KRCL) between Roha and Thokur near Mangaluru.

The proposed merger between Konkan Railway and Indian Railways has garnered public support, unlike a previous bank merger that faced opposition. Shobha Karandlaje, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, has expressed her intention to merge Konkan Railway with Indian Railways, a proposition that has resonated with many, particularly various passenger railway forums in the region.Karandlaje's announcement has been welcomed by Rajeev Gaonkar, the secretary of Uttara Kannada Railway Seva Samithi, who noted that they had made the same demand about six years ago. Gaonkar criticised Konkan Railway Corporation, accusing it of not serving the interests of the people. He proposed that the section from Mangaluru to Karwar be operated by South Western Railway, while the remainder should be taken over by Central Railway.Hanumanth Kamath, the President of Paschima Karavali Railway Abhivraddi Samithi, expressed the frustrations of Mangalureans regarding the railway system in the area. The region from the Karnataka border to Thokur is divided between Southern Railway and South Western Railway, leading to logistical challenges. Kamath suggested that merging Konkan Railway with Indian Railways would address these issues.Kamath also highlighted the perceived neglect of the region by Southern Railway, despite contributing a significant portion of their revenue through entities like MRPL, New Mangalore Port, and MCF. He believed that a merger with Indian Railways would provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities for the region.However, there are doubts about the feasibility of the proposal. Anil Hegde, a rail activist, supported the idea but questioned whether the central government or the Railways would approve it. DK Bhat, the convener of Puttur Yatri Sangha, shared similar doubts about the proposal's likelihood of being accepted.The proponents of the merger argue that it would expedite various development works, such as track doubling, enabling more passenger trains for the people of the DK and Udupi regions traveling to Mumbai. Konkan Railway officials refrained from commenting on Minister Karandlaje's proposal, stating that they cannot respond to a minister's statement.The history of Konkan Railway dates back to 1993 when the first passenger train ran between Udupi and Mangaluru. The completed track was inaugurated on January 26, 1998, and the first passenger service train, numbered 12619/620, operated on May 1, 1998, on the entire 741 km network of Konkan Railway Corporation (KRCL) between Roha and Thokur near Mangaluru.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?