The plan includes doubling a 263 km stretch across two sections: Thokur to Mookambika Road Byndoor (112 km) and Vaibhavwadi to Majorda (151 km). Currently, the Roha-Madgaon section operates at 143% capacity and the Madgaon-Thokur section at 128%, both exceeding saturation levels. So far, only 54.66 km of the route has been doubled.
To further decongest the network, three new crossing stations will be constructed at Mayem, Neura O Grande, and Mookambika Road Byndoor. Additional loop lines are planned at Gokarna Road, Honnavara, Barkur, Udupi, and Ankola, at a combined cost of Rs 696.77 crore.
The popular Mumbai-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (Train No 22229/22230), which currently has eight coaches, will soon be extended to 16 coaches to meet rising demand. This will make it longer than Mumbai local trains, which typically have 12-15 cars.
Safety and infrastructure upgrades form a substantial part of the investment. New parallel tunnels will be built alongside the Madure-Pernem and Old Goa tunnels, costing Rs 99.4 crore. Rs 49.2 crore will be spent on replacing ageing track assets.
Comprehensive track renewal will cover 120 km of the Madgaon-Loliem and Shiroor-Udupi sections, costing Rs 363.82 crore. Geotechnical stabilization of 20 cuttings using AI-based monitoring technology will enhance tunnel safety during the monsoon season.
Additional improvements include the removal of 11 level crossing gates by constructing road overbridges and upgrading relay-based interlocking systems to electronic interlocking at 48 stations. Outlays for these improvements amount to Rs 301.25 crore.
The Kavach automatic train protection system will be rolled out across the entire Konkan Railway network at a cost of Rs 997.68 crore. Passenger amenity upgrades are also planned, with an investment of Rs 104.98 crore.
This comprehensive upgrade plan was submitted to the Railway Board under the third financial restructuring program, with final approvals expected by June 30, 2026.
