Thirty years ago, the railway ministry first conceived of the Konkan Railway. After detailed engineering surveys, in 1991, tracks were being laid against all odds boring tunnels through mountains, going over rivers and traversing a land with loose red soil. With over 2,000 bridges and 91 tunnels on the 740-km route, it was one of the toughest undertakings in recent times.

Yet, it was crucial, since it connected Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Travellers could also enjoy idyllic views of lush green mountains and gushing waterfalls.