The electrification project on the Konkan line began back in 2015 and in total the project cost ₹1,287 crore (US$170m). The project was carried out under Indian Railways’ “Mission 100% Electrification” project, which will see diesel-powered trains phased out over the next two years.
According to the Konkan Railway Corporation, the CRS inspection of the entire route was successfully conducted in six phases, starting from March 2020. The last CRS inspection, between Ratnagiri and Thivim, was carried out on March 24 and authorization was given on March 28.
The corporation noted that the electrification project has been challenging due to the difficult terrain found along the Konkan Railway, and due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The 741 km line connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka States – a region of criss-crossing rivers, plunging valleys and mountains that reach the clouds.
Moreover, due to extreme monsoons in the Konkan region, special arrangements had to be made at many locations to keep the electrification mission going non-stop.
Konkan Railway is one of the longest railway routes on the Indian railway network. Train operations with electric traction will be implemented on the route in phased manner, according to the corporation.
Indian Railways is electrifying its rail network, which is one of the largest in the world at 67,956 km, at a fast pace. The organization is also working toward becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by the end of 2030.