Konkan Railway to Merge with Indian Railways for Karnataka's Economic Boom

On March 17, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary engaged with Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil to advocate for the merger of Konkan Railway Corporations Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways (IR). According to Poojary, this strategic merger will significantly boost economic development in the Karnataka region, particularly on the coast. Despite thirty years since its establishment, Konkan Railway has not seen substantial development, remaining a single-line network struggling with a 175% capacity utilization. Poojary highlighted that KRCL, unlike other parts of the Indian Railway network, has not benefited from budgetary support, hampering its progress due to a persistent lack of funds. Karnataka initially invested INR 200 crore in KRCL upon its formation, with this being matched by contributions from Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerala. Historically, the agreement proposed that KRCL would integrate with IR a decade post-commissioning, a sentiment being revisited by Karnataka to further regional economic growth. Minister Patil acknowledged the importance of the matter and is set to discuss it with relevant officials to expedite a suitable decision. The proposal was also presented to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for consideration.