On a mission mode to electrify its entire Broad Gauge network to provide environment friendly, green & clean mode of transport to its people under the ‘Mission 100% Electrification – Moving towards net Zero Carbon Emission’ plan, Konkan Railway has accomplished 100% Rail electrification of its entire stretch.
The foundation stone for the Electrification of the entire 741 kms route work was laid in November 2015. The total cost of the project is Rs. 1287 crore. The CRS inspection of the entire Konkan Railway route has been successfully conducted in six phases starting from March 2020. CRS inspection of the last section between Ratnagiri & Thivim was carried out on 24/03/2022 and authorization was obtained on 28/03/2022.
The electrification project has been challenging due to the difficult terrain of Konkan Railway & non conducive atmosphere due to Covid – 19 Pandemic. Moreover due to the extreme monsoon in the Konkan region, special arrangements had to be made at many locations to keep the electrification mission going non-stop.
It is worthwhile to note the numerous inherent benefits of electric traction i.e. Significant savings in fuel expenditure i.e more than ₹150 Cr., Seamless operation on Electric Traction on the West Coast, pollution free mode of transportation and Reduced dependence on HSD oil.
Konkan Railway being one of the biggest railway routes on the Indian Railway network, the train operations with electric traction will be implemented on the newly electrified KR route in a phased manner.