Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, June 14: The Konkan Railway has decided not to operate its much-anticipated Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service for private cars this year during the Ganesha festival season, citing lower-than-expected passenger demand. Instead, the railway administration will shift its full focus towards running a record number of ‘Ganapati Special’ trains to manage the heavy festive rush between Mumbai and the Konkan region.
The Ro-Ro service, designed to carry private vehicles by train as a convenient alternative for motorists, was introduced as an additional travel option. However, Konkan Railway managing director Santosh Kumar Jha said the expected passenger response had not materialised this season.
With the Konkan region witnessing a massive influx of passengers during the Ganesha festival, authorities have opted to strengthen passenger train operations instead of deploying the vehicle-carrying Ro-Ro service.
Officials said the move is aimed at easing congestion, improving travel capacity and ensuring smoother movement during peak festive days.
AI-based monsoon safety system deployed
In a parallel development, Konkan Railway has significantly upgraded its monsoon preparedness with the introduction of advanced technology aimed at mitigating risks from landslides, boulder falls and other natural disruptions along the route.
For the first time, the railway has deployed Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based monitoring technology to detect and respond to potential track hazards in real time. A sophisticated rail track monitoring and warning system has been installed near a tunnel close to Dasgaon station.
Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), the system is capable of detecting even minor obstructions on railway tracks and immediately transmitting alerts to the control room.
Officials said the system is currently under trial and, if successful, will be extended to other critical tunnels across the Konkan Railway network.
Early warning for multiple hazards
The system is designed to detect falling rocks, track cracks, fallen trees, landslides, as well as the movement of wildlife or stray animals. It can also identify suspicious or unusual activity on the tracks and trigger instant alarms to alert control room operators.
Konkan Railway MD Santosh Kumar Jha said the organisation is placing equal emphasis on conventional safety measures and modern technological interventions as part of its monsoon preparedness strategy this year.