Konkan Railway officials complete two-day pre-monsoon inspection across 741-km route

Senior officials of Konkan Railway conduct the annual pre-monsoon inspection. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) has completed its annual pre-monsoon inspection across the scenic yet challenging Konkan route, gearing up for the intense southwest monsoon that brings heavy rainfall, landslides, and water-logging risks to the steep terrain of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka.

The two-day inspection, led by Santosh Kumar Jha, chairman and managing director (CMD) of KRCL, along with directors and senior officials from engineering, operations, and safety departments, covered the entire network to assess infrastructure readiness and preventive measures.

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On Tuesday, the team inspected the Madgaon (MAO) to Thokur (TOK) section (covering parts in Karnataka), while on Wednesday, the focus shifted to the Madgaon (MAO) to Roha (ROH) section (primarily in Maharashtra and Goa).

Key areas reviewed during the on-ground assessment included:

Tracks, bridges, and tunnels

Cuttings, slopes, and vulnerable landslide-prone zones

Signalling systems and water-logging susceptible locations

Station infrastructure and solar lighting installations

Ongoing maintenance works and monsoon-specific safety arrangements.

Officials conducted a detailed evaluation of preventive measures, such as slope stabilisation, drainage improvements, rock bolting, and patrolling protocols, to minimise disruptions and ensure safe, reliable train services during the rainy months.

The Konkan Railway route, spanning approximately 741 km through Western Ghats' difficult topography, is notorious for monsoon-related challenges like heavy downpours exceeding 3,000-4,000 mm annually in some stretches. These annual inspections form a critical part of KRCL's proactive safety strategy, helping maintain uninterrupted connectivity for passengers and freight between Mumbai and Mangaluru/Kerala.

Santosh Kumar Jha emphasised the importance of such exercises in reinforcing the network's resilience ahead of the monsoon, which typically arrives in early June along the Konkan coast.

Passengers are advised to stay updated via the official Konkan Railway website (konkanrailway.com) or app for any weather-related advisories or diversions during the season.

This inspection comes as a timely reassurance for commuters and tourists who rely on the iconic route, known for its viaducts, tunnels, and breathtaking views, even as the region braces for the annual deluge.

Mumbai-Secunderabad Duronto to become fully AC from April

The Central Railway on Tuesday announced that the Mumbai-Secunderabad Duronto will run as a fully AC train from April 2026 and the Konkan Kanya and Mandovi Express will get extra coaches.

According to an official statement, the Mumbai-Madgaon Konkan Kanya Express and Mandovi Express will run with one additional AC 3-tier Economy coach on a permanent basis.

The decision has been taken in view of the growing number of passengers travelling between Mumbai and the Konkan region, it said.

The revised composition will come into effect from February 24/25, 2026.

The updated composition for train numbers 20111/20112 (CSMT-Madgaon-CSMT) Konkan Kanya Express and 10103/10104 (CSMT-Madgaon-CSMT) Mandovi Express will include one first AC-AC 2-tier coach, one AC 2-tier coach, four AC 3-tier coaches, three AC 3-tier Economy coaches, seven Sleeper Class coaches, four General Second Class coaches, one Pantry Car, one Generator Car and one Second Seating and Luggage-Guard's Brake Van, the statement said.