Maharashtra CM reiterates call for merging Konkan Railway with Indian railways

ANI April 11, 2025 170 views

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has intensified efforts to merge Konkan Railway with Indian Railways. The proposal is backed by Karnataka and Goa state governments, highlighting collaborative regional infrastructure development. Currently managed as a separate corporation, the railway network spans four states and seeks more comprehensive integration. The move aims to address existing infrastructure and expansion challenges in the Konkan region.

"We have requested union government that Konkan railway should be inducted in railway itself" - Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai, April 11: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday highlighted the multiple problems faced by Konkan railway and requested the Union government to merge the Konkan railway corporation with the Indian Railways, citing similar demands made by Goa and Karnataka state governments.

Key Points

1

Maharashtra seeks strategic merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways

2

Four states agree to corporation integration

3

Aims to resolve infrastructure and development challenges

"We have requested union government that Konkan railway should be inducted in railway itself as Konkan railway. At present, it is only a corporation, and that is why it is facing issues of development and extension in terms of doubling of lines and other infrastructure," CM Fadnavis said during a joint press conference with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Mumbai.

"Similar demands have been made by Goa and Karnataka state Govt's also," Fadnavis said.

The Konkan railway is currently managed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa and Kerala state governments being beneficiaries in the autonomous corporation along with union railway ministry. The company was incorporated as a private limited company in July 1990.

All four states made beneficiaries in the company, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerala, have agreed to merge it with the Indian railways by passing a resolution in their respective state assemblies.

Earlier, while addressing reporters in Mumbai, Union Minsiter Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Union cabinet has approved the Ballarshah-Gondia's doubling project being sanctioned with Rs 4,819 crore."

He further informed that more than 1 lakh 70 thousand crores have been sanctioned for projects connected to Maharashtra during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term.

"PM Modi, in the recent cabinet meet, has sanctioned the Ballarshah-Gondia's doubling project of 240 kilometres, which has been given Rs 4,819 crore," Vaishnaw said.

"With the doubling of Ballarshah and Gondia, we will get a corridor for north to south's movement. With this, the aspirational district, like Vidharba and Marathawada, will be impacted as they will be connected," he added.

Talking about the total developmental projects, including the bullet train and redevelopment of stations, the railway minister added, "Till now overall, Rs 1 lakh 73 thousand crore worth of projects connected with Maharashtra, including the bullet train and corridors, and the redevelopment of stations has been approved. Rs 1,73,804 crore worth of projects are connected with Maharashtra."

Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
This merger makes complete sense! Konkan Railway has been struggling with infrastructure upgrades for years. Being part of Indian Railways will bring better funding and coordination. The scenic route deserves proper maintenance! �
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Priya M.
I travel on Konkan Railway often and the service has deteriorated over time. Hopefully this merger will improve punctuality and cleanliness. The views are breathtaking but the experience could be better.
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Sunil K.
While I support the merger, I hope they don't lose the unique identity of Konkan Railway. The route is special with its tunnels and bridges. Maybe they can keep the branding while getting IR's resources?
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Meena R.
The ₹1.7 lakh crore investment in Maharashtra's rail projects is impressive! But I wonder if merging Konkan Railway will actually speed up the doubling work or just add more bureaucracy. Hope we see results soon.
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Amit D.
Good move! The current corporation structure clearly isn't working when all four states want this change. Maybe now we'll finally get those delayed projects moving. Fingers crossed!
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Neha T.
I appreciate the CM's efforts, but I'm concerned about the timing. With so many big projects announced, will Indian Railways have the capacity to properly integrate Konkan Railway right now? Maybe a phased approach would be better.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Konkan Railway Devendra Fadnavis Indian Railways Maharashtra Infrastructure Railway Merger
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