After Mr Prabhu took over as RM, the much neglected KR has got the long overdue attention of IR and the year 2014 marks a beginning of golden era for KR. Many Big investments have been planned along with many small steps which will revolutionize the rail operation and financial condition of KR. Following are some of them:
(1) Doubling of Konkan Rly-Construction of first phase (47km Roha-Veer) started, Karwar-Malpem (Goa) section is planned to be taken up.
(2) doubling of supersaturated Kulem-Madgaon section started which will give more hinterland traffic to KR...
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(2) Electrification of Konkan Rly-construction recently started
(3) 21 new stations on KR, 18 new loop lines at existing stations are in progress to imcrease the sectional capacity of KR.
(4) Connectivity of KR to ports (34km Digni-Jaigadh port in agreement with JSW in 2015) to get freight loading to boost revenues and financial condition
(5) Connectivity of KR to hinterland (103km Chiplun-Karad-MOU with Shapoorji Pallonji, 107km Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur Rs 250 crores sanctioned in 2017018, 167km Ankola-Hubli is being aggresively pursued for environmental clearance) to boost freight/pax traffic on KR.
(6) Upgradation of many stations with augmentation of facilities- Benches, Sheds, water filter, wifi, CCTV system, escalators, travelator, Solar energy plant etc, Construction of new terminus at Sawantwadi, coach maintenance facilities at Goa, ROBs at many locations
(7) Introducing Landmark trains-Rajdhani for Goa, CSTM-KarmaliFirst Tejas, LTT-MAO AC DD Express in addition to other Express/passenger trains. Now Maharaja Express on KR route is planned
(8) Tourism-Upgradation/ Beautification/ cleanliness of stations, training taxi drivers to double up as guides, Availability of local cuisines on KR stations, E-catering service through self help groups
(9) Tunneling technology institute at Goa, Skill development centre at Udupi, Rolling stock component factory at Lote Khed, Multi modal logistic park at Balli Goa, Construction of MRPL siding half rake loading facility at Thokur