Konkan Railway has completed 100% rail electrification of its entire stretch, as part of its mission to electrify its entire Broad Gauge network to provide an environmentally friendly, green, and clean mode of transportation to its people under the Mission 100% Electrification – moving towards net zero carbon emission plan.
In November of 2015, the foundation stone was laid for the electrification of the entire 741 km route. The project will cost Rs 1287 crore to complete. Beginning in March 2020, the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection of the entire Konkan Railway route will be completed in six phases. On the 24th of March 2022, CRS inspected the final section between Ratnagiri and Thivim, and authorization was obtained on the 28th of March 2022.
Due to the difficult terrain of the Konkan Railway and the unfavourable climate caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic, the electrification project has been difficult. Furthermore, due to the extreme monsoon in the Konkan region, special arrangements had to be made at several locations to keep the electrification mission running.
The numerous inherent benefits of electric traction should be noted, including significant fuel savings of more than Rs 150 million, seamless operation of electric traction on the West Coast, a pollution-free mode of transportation, and reduced reliance on HSD oil.
Because the Konkan Railway is one of the largest railway routes in India, train operations with electric traction will be phased in overtime on the newly electrified KR route.
The Konkan Railway has always put safety first and will continue to work for the nation’s advancement.
Also read: KEC bags RSS AMS electrification contract of Delhi Metro’s Phase 4