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Konkan Railway Earns Over 120 cr from Ro-Ro Service

New Delhi, June 05, 2009

Riding on the success of its existing RO-RO services (Roll-on Roll-off), Konkan Railway has introduced a new service of RO-RO train between Verna (near Goa) and Surathkal (near Mangalore) – a distance of 305 km – from 1st June, 2009.

The RO-RO service of the Konkan Railway Corporation is an innovative service being run by it on its route whereby loaded goods trucks are carried piggy back on rail flats. The service is being run only on Konkan Railway and has earned the Corporation over Rs. 120 cr since its inception in 1999.

RO-RO is an innovative means of establishing a synergistic relationship between the railways and the roadways instead of being competitors. The service has helped the railways to get back the piecemeal traffic which had got diverted to the road sector. The service benefits the truck owners as well as the railways, while saving precious diesel for the country. It saves wear and tear of tyres, reduces maintenance cost of trucks, enables faster turn-round, faster delivery of goods, gives higher profits, less pollution, and better road safety.

Also decongests the National Highway and gives a hassle-free ride to the truck drivers. Introduction of RO-RO services has been a win-win situation for railways, road transporters as well as the nation. About two hours of terminal detention coupled with 100% loaded traffic in both directions has resulted in better financial returns for Railways.

The service was started by KRCL on its route in 1999 and has earned Rs. 120 cr over last ten years. The service is extremely popular with the truckers. There are two services of Ro-Ro – one between Kolad (145 km from Mumbai) and Verna - a distance of 417 km, and second between Kolad and Surathkal (a distance of 721 km).

The third service between Verna and Surathkal was started from 1st June this year. Delivery is within 12 hrs for Kolad-Verna, within 20 hrs for Kolad-Surathkal, and 5 hrs for Verna- Surathkal, which by road would take atleast about 24 hrs, 40 hrs, and 10 hrs respectively.

The RO-RO service is cheaper and more eco-friendly than the road transport. More than 1.6 lakh trucks have been transported till now via this service. 

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