The coastal Konkan belt of Maharashtra is one of the most scenic locations in India and also known for its rich culture, cuisine, tourism, forts, folklore, history and heritage. New initiatives need to be taken to boost development of this region. Hence Konkan Railway is continuously making efforts to improve Railway infrastructure and passenger amenities. Today Hon'ble Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu has laid Foundation stone for Railotel at Sawantwadi Road station and Inaugurated Air-conditioning of Running room at Ratnagiri station. The details of the same are as under :

1. Railotel at Sawantwadi Road Station :

Konkan Railway has facilitated the development of Railotels as additional improvised passenger amenities in the vicinity of important stations. Many tourist alight and board the train at Sawantwadi Road station as it is close to several tourists spots. Affordable stay at an aesthetically designed Budget Hotel near Sawantwadi Road Railway station is one such facility which will be an added amenity to the passengers. To cater such requirements, Konkan Railway is developing Railotel jointly with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) with an estimated cost of Rs 14 crore and will have 39 rooms. The hotel will be developed over an area of 5,000 square meter. The Railotel at Sawantwadi Road station will have facilities such as Accommodation, Restaurants, General and VIP lounge, Internet Cafes, Booking and information center, basic medication center, Multipurpose / Meeting hall, library facility, gym facility, games zone etc.

2. Airconditioned Running Room at Ratnagiri :

Loco Pilots and Guards have a very significant role in the train running. Loco Pilots & Guards of trains take rest in the Running Room after completion of their train duty. To provide better facilities to train running staff, Konkan Railway has provided Air-conditioning in Running Room at Ratnagiri station at the cost of Rs 8.76 lakhs, which can accommodate 73 Loco Pilots/Guards at a time.

Konkan Railways always believes in providing better services to its passengers and staff to improve comfort and safety.