Page 4 - Coffee TB Final 30-3-2023

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FOREWORD

Konkan Railway takes you on a breathtaking journey through rugged mountains, deep valleys, lush

green paddy fields, bustling villages and glistening rivers that flow out to the sea, heralding the realization
of a long-cherished dream of the people of the Konkan region. The construction of Konkan Railway

effectively connected the southwestern coast of India by rail to the rest of the country. It is not just
travellers’ convenience but also a gateway to prosperity and progress. While this Railway route has

generated a phenomenal growth in tourism of the Konkan region, it has also boosted development and

employment opportunities. It gives me immense pleasure and pride to be a part of this magnificent
Organization. It was undoubtedly one of the biggest and most difficult infrastructure projects that India

has undertaken and successfully completed post Independence.

I have been working as Chairman and Managing Director of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited since

November 2015. After joining the Board of Directors of KRCL in September 2013, I have witnessed the

growth, progress and development of Konkan Railway. Right from the goal of Mission 100%
electrification to start of doubling and developing new stations, KRCL has left no stone unturned to

provide it’s travellers with maximum convenience and comfort. Over the years, there has been a

tremendous growth in KRCL's revenue through its Passengers, Freight, Business and various projects,
etc. Today, KRCL has set benchmarks by developing iconic projects and is synonymous with

innovations. It is indeed a Railway that made a difference, and will continue to do so.

In the year 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world which also impacted our Nation bringing it to a

complete standstill. This led to numerous challenges, one of them was the movement of stranded

migrants to their native States. The Indian Railways started operation of Shramik Specials to address
this crisis. Konkan Railway assisted the States it serves in moving stranded migrants from the coastal

districts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa. A total of 79 Shramik Special trains originated from

Konkan Railway and moved more than one lakh Shramiks to different destinations across the country.
Also, eight parcel trains and 331 freight trains were run during the lockdown period.

This Coffee Table Book is an attempt to showcase the achievements and expressions of Konkan
Railway and one can appreciate the rich legacy and the memorable growth story of this remarkable

Corporation. From completing 25 years in smooth operations of trains to constructing few remarkable

milestones, KRCL has created many success stories. I hope you enjoy flipping through this journey of
milestones as much as we did while compiling it.

Sanjay Gupta

Chairman & Managing Director

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited