In Fact challenges an Konkan Railway are like twin brothers. KR has faced and overcome challenges right from its inception and happened against all odds:
(1) Probably the first JV of IRlys with state of great magnitude
(2) Largest Rly project under taken by Indian Railways
(3) Longest hill railway which is difficult to construct especially if it is Broad Guage and designed for...
more... 160kmph
(4) Longest and Large number Tunnel/ largest number of Big bridges
The challenges does not end here, even after construction they remained glued to KR. Lot of operational problems like boulder falling/ water seepage in tunnels etc. esp. in rainy season occurred which were gradually solved by KR through innovative and indigenous solutions.
As learnt from the media, KR unfortunately did not to get Manglore port under its jurisdiction as per the original plan, which was supposed to be a big source of revenue. Inspite of this disadvantage, the financially crippled KR has already proved its mettle by staying afloat for a good 25 years through excellent use of physical & human resources. It has started earning profits since last few years!
Out of box thinking and working envisaged and implemented by KR is exemplary on many counts
1) Pioneering in introduction and regular operation of Roll On Roll Off trains since more than a decade 2) Getting involved in tough engineering projects like Jammu-Udhampur rail project
3) Many technical innnovations done to prevent boulder falling and other operational challenges to operate trains (including the prestigious Rajdhanis & Durontos) in a very difficult Konkan Terrrain.
Due credits to following great persons
(1) Gentle man who first dreamt of conquering the tricky Western Ghats by Rail
(2) Mr. Madhu Dandwate for humble Beginning Diva-Roha
(3) Mr. George Fernandez Formation of KRC and setting the ball rolling in a big way
(4) The great technocrat Mr Sreedharan for making it happen successfully and maintaing the standards and overcoming all the difficulties.
(5) Mr. Suresh Prabhu for taking up task of rejuvenation & upgradation of KR to higher level
(6) Last but not the least, the committed and daring team of engineers/ workers/ officials involved in the difficult constructions and ones presently involved in operation & maintenance.
Great Salute to the Shramvirs who lost life during the difficult construction. Every passenger travelling through KR must thank these Great Persons who made their journey possible.
With excellent efforts and performance that too against odds, KR should be expecting generous reward i.e. funding for the above projects from Hon. RM. And why not, the young boy (KR) with such achievements definitely deserves it as a reward for the past performance and motivation for even better performance in future.
