Context: The Maharashtra government officially approved the merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways, clearing the last hurdle for full integration.
About Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL)
What It Is?
- KRCL is a special purpose vehicle created under the Ministry of Railways in 1990, distinct from Indian Railways.
- Coverage: The line stretches 741 km through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and coastal Kerala, connecting Roha to Mangaluru.
Strategic Importance of KRCL
- Built across the Western Ghats, it overcame extreme terrain with engineering innovation, showcasing Indian technical expertise.
- Acts as a lifeline for passengers and freight, reducing travel time significantly and enabling economic integration of the Konkan region.
Why KRCL Was Separate from Indian Railways
KRCL was structured as a joint venture model to allow independent decision-making and faster project execution in difficult geography:
- Government of India: 51%
- Maharashtra: 22%
- Karnataka: 15%
- Goa & Kerala: 6% each
Additional Information on Indian Railways Structure
- Indian Railways has 70 divisions under its 17 zones; the latest addition is the Jammu Railway division.
- Including Metro Railways, India has 19 zones, each headed by a General Manager (GM).
- Each division is led by a Divisional Railway Manager (DRM).
Conclusion
The approval of the KRCL merger marks a major step toward seamless coastal connectivity and unified management under Indian Railways, promising improved efficiency and economic growth along the Konkan corridor.
