PANJIM: The Konkan Railway as part of its silver jubilee celebrations has embarked on a facelift programme for its entire stretch from Roha to Thokur with plans of rail widening along Goa’s stretch as well.
Speaking to media persons about the initiative, Konkan Railway Corporation general manager Siddheshwar Telgu said, “As part of the silver jubilee plans, we have decided on conducting patch doubling of tracks to help better facilities for passengers. We have placed the plan before the ministry and are currently awaiting approval.”
The project that is expected to cost between Rs 800 and Rs 900 crore will be in patches alongside existing tracks along certain Goa areas.
“There are some areas where the soil conditions are not favourable for building tracks. Some other regions have tunnels that again are not feasible for track extensions. We have therefore narrowed down on areas that can be acquired to extend tracks,” he said.
Based on ultrasonic tests, any defects in existing tracks will also be rectified he said adding that Konkan Railways was committed to passenger satisfaction and better services.
Currently Konkan Railways has around 45 passenger trains transporting 45 lakh passengers a day between Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka.
The Rail Yatri/Upbhokta Pakhwada (Rail Passenger and Customer Facilitation fortnight) that is being celebrated as part of the Railways 25 years, will also look to upgrading passenger amenities with cleanliness being the prime areas of concern.
Construction of new platform shelters, passenger lifts, bio toilets, improvements in lighting, setting up of a toll free number for passenger grievances in addition to 545 special trains and attachment of 1776 coaches to various express trains have been some of the work the Konkan Railways have successfully completed.
