Maharashtra CM Urged to Support Konkan Railway Merger by MP Poojary
Kota Srinivas Poojary calls for Maharashtra's support in merging Konkan Railway with Indian Railways to enhance connectivity.
MP Poojary requests Maharashtra CM to expedite the relinquishment of state shares in KRCL.
An estimated ₹40,000 crore is needed for line doubling and infrastructure improvements.
Kerala and Goa have already agreed to relinquish their shares for the merger.
On October 29, 2026, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai, urging him to facilitate the merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL) with Indian Railways. Poojary emphasized the necessity of this merger to enhance rail connectivity along the West coast, highlighting the current limitations of the existing single-track system.
The KRCL network, stretching approximately 750 kilometers from Roha in Maharashtra to Thokur in Karnataka, is facing increased demand for both passenger and freight services. Poojary pointed out that the single track is inadequate for handling the growing traffic, and doubling the line is crucial for the region's economic development. He estimated that around ₹40,000 crore would be required for this significant infrastructure upgrade, which KRCL cannot fund independently.
Poojary noted that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had indicated in the Lok Sabha that if the states holding shares in KRCL agree to relinquish them, the merger with Indian Railways could proceed. He mentioned that both Kerala and Goa have expressed their willingness to give up their shares, and Karnataka's Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has also shown support for railway development in the state.
The implications of this merger are significant for the Konkan region, as it would not only facilitate line doubling but also improve the overall railway network, enhancing connectivity for passengers and freight alike. Poojary's discussions with Fadnavis were met with a positive response, indicating that the Maharashtra government is considering the proposal seriously.
Looking ahead, a consensus decision is expected to be reached soon regarding the relinquishment of Maharashtra's shares in KRCL. This decision could pave the way for vital improvements in railway infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the traveling public and bolstering economic growth in the region.
