Mumbai: The Maharashtra government last month officially agreed to merge the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways. While the states of Goa, Karnataka and Kerala having already approved the merger, Maharashtra’s decision clears the way for complete integration of one of India’s most scenic and strategically vital railway lines into the larger national network.
Though operationally successful, KRCL has been suffering from financial woes for years. With lesser revenues and increasing infrastructure demands, the company found it difficult to finance expansion or afford major upgrades. Maharashtra CM Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a letter addressed Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asserted that the KRCL is a “standalone model” that has become unsustainable. He noted that joining hands with Indian Railways would enable KRCL to leverage the route’s huge investment base.
Merger would help in creation of new routes, improve connectivity
The merger would also help in creation of new projects along the route, improving connectivity, the frequency and quality of services. It will help in benefiting local economy, tourism and generate employment opportunities for the locals. Moreover, it would benefit the passengers, with upgraded infrastructure, improved frequency of trains, better security measures, and increased connectivity with other routes of Indian Railways.
Aid to passengers
With the approval of the merger, the Board would now follow significant number of administrative, financial, and legal procedures. According to ‘The Indian Express’, the process is likely to be a time consuming, due to reworking of employee hierarchies, operational areas and service contracts. It is important to note here that the Konkan Railways have been facing difficulties, regarding higher fares, standardised, customer grievance redressal mechanisms. With this merger, the KR would also be able to enjoy seamless booking , without any kind of hassles.