06 September,2026 10:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
According to KRPAS, Sawantwadi requires several additional facilities to operate as a fully equipped railway terminal. Representational Pic/File
The long-pending expansion of the Sawantwadi Railway Terminus has come under renewed focus, with the Konkan Railway Pravasi Sanghatana (KRPAS) urging the Union Railway Ministry to include the project in the third Financial Restructuring Package of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).
In a representation to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, KRPAS vice-president Sagar Talwadekar sought immediate intervention to provide dedicated capital funding for the development of additional railway infrastructure at Sawantwadi.
The representation was submitted on behalf of commuters, passenger associations and residents of coastal Maharashtra and the Konkan region.
KRPAS said the need for better terminal facilities becomes particularly important during peak periods such as Ganeshotsav, when passenger traffic on the Konkan Railway route rises sharply.
The organisation has urged the Railway Ministry to include the Sawantwadi project in ongoing capacity-enhancement and restructuring plans rather than allowing it to remain pending.
According to KRPAS, Sawantwadi requires several additional facilities to operate as a fully equipped railway terminal.
The proposed expansion includes two additional high-level island platforms, dedicated loop lines, stabilising tracks and a standard coach-maintenance pit line.
The passenger body said these facilities would improve the station's ability to handle train terminations, reversals and stabling.
Talwadekar said the lack of adequate terminal and stabling facilities at Sawantwadi was affecting train operations.
He pointed out that several services catering to passengers in South Konkan currently have to operate up to Madgaon in Goa.
Developing Sawantwadi as a proper terminal could allow more trains to terminate and reverse closer to their main passenger catchment area, potentially improving rolling-stock turnaround and reducing operational pressure on the Konkan Railway network.
KRPAS also highlighted that the foundation stone for the Sawantwadi Railway Terminus was laid on June 27, 2015, but the required expansion has remained pending.
The organisation has now called for the project to be brought under the third Financial Restructuring proposal of KRCL and supported through dedicated capital funding.
The representation also referred to the review undertaken by the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
While welcoming proposed investments in safety and capacity-enhancement works along the Konkan Railway route, KRPAS expressed concern over the continued exclusion of the Sawantwadi terminus expansion.
The passenger organisation said completing the project would strengthen railway infrastructure in South Konkan and provide better operational support during periods of high passenger demand.
