Imagine embarking on your dream drive to Goa, but instead of navigating the often-congested Konkan highway, your car travels serenely on a train, arriving fresh and ready for your adventures.
This vision is on the cusp of becoming a reality, as Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) is actively exploring the feasibility of ferrying private vehicles, including cars and SUVs, on board its train wagons. Following the success of its ‘Roll-on Roll-off’ (Ro-Ro) service for trucks, this innovative proposal is set to be trialled during the upcoming Ganpati festival, promising a significant shift in how commuters approach inter-state road travel and potentially contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly transit experience.
Santosh Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director of Konkan Railway, expressed enthusiastic support for the initiative, stating, “It’s a fabulous idea and we will definitely explore it. We’ve been carrying trucks for a long time now. Their drivers purchase tickets and travel inside their vehicles. We can consider allowing private passenger vehicles, too.” This expansion of the proven Ro-Ro model could revolutionise long-distance leisure travel, offering a tangible solution to highway traffic woes and reducing the carbon footprint associated with individual vehicle journeys. While technical adjustments to wagons are necessary to accommodate the dimensions of cars and SUVs, the ambition is clear: to launch this experimental service by the Ganpati season, providing much-needed relief and a novel travel option. The Ro-Ro service, a hallmark of Konkan Railway’s innovative operations, currently facilitates the loading of trucks directly onto specially designed train wagons via ramps. Truck drivers and their assistants travel with valid tickets, often opting to rest within their vehicle cabins during the journey from Kolad to Mangalore. A similar, albeit adapted, process would be implemented for private vehicles, with ongoing discussions addressing specifics such as whether car owners would travel alongside their vehicles or in dedicated passenger coaches. This unique intermodal transport solution not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions but also offers a safer, more relaxed travel experience, contributing to the broader goal of creating gender-neutral and equitable travel opportunities.
Beyond this exciting new service, Konkan Railway is also demonstrating a heightened focus on operational efficiency and passenger safety, particularly during the challenging monsoon season. For the first time, the 2025 monsoon timetable has been reduced by ten days, now running from June 15 to October 20, a decision attributed to enhanced preparedness. “We’re better prepared this year,” affirmed Mr. Jha, detailing extensive measures such as the cleaning of catchwater drains, thorough slope inspections, and the implementation of geo-safety projects that have drastically reduced instances of boulder falls and soil slips. This proactive approach underscores the railway’s commitment to reliable service even amidst adverse weather conditions, ensuring a smoother journey for all passengers. Key monsoon measures include the deployment of 636 trained personnel for 24/7 patrolling at vulnerable spots, enforcing a speed limit of 40 km/h during periods of low visibility, and upgrading to LED signals for improved visibility in rain and fog. Furthermore, self-recording rain gauges are active at nine critical stations along the route, from Mangaon to Udupi, complemented by flood warning systems at bridges over the Kali, Savitri, and Vashishti rivers. These robust safety protocols are crucial for maintaining an uninterrupted, secure transit experience, especially vital for regions prone to heavy rainfall.
Looking to the future, Konkan Railway has also submitted detailed plans to the Railway Board for the realignment and rebuilding of the Pernem and Old Goa tunnels, a significant infrastructure upgrade. Additionally, Madgaon and Udupi stations have been selected for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, promising modern facilities and enhanced passenger amenities, pending funding approval. These forward-looking initiatives, including the groundbreaking Ro-Ro service for private vehicles, highlight Konkan Railway’s continuous endeavour to innovate, enhance passenger experience, and contribute to a more connected, efficient, and environmentally responsible travel network across India’s vibrant western coast.
Also Read: Udaipur trains get extra coaches for summer rush
