Source: HT
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?
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- 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:
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- 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 Separate from Indian Railways?
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- KRCL was structured as a joint venture model:
- GOI (51%), Maharashtra (22%), Karnataka (15%), Goa and Kerala (6% each).
- Its separation allowed independent decision-making and faster project execution in difficult geography.
- KRCL was structured as a joint venture model:
- Additional information:
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- The Indian Railways have 70 divisions under its 17 zones.
- Recent addition is Jammu Railway division.
- If you include Metro Railway and Kolkata India has 19 zones in total.
- Each zone has a General Manager (GM) in charge. A Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) leads each division.
- The Indian Railways have 70 divisions under its 17 zones.
