Tag: India Railways

Travel

Konkan Railway Launches Second High-Capacity Ro-Ro Rake to Boost Freight Efficiency

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Konkan Railway has taken a significant step to strengthen freight movement along its route with the launch of its second Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) rake featuring an enhanced 57-ton capacity. The service, designed to transport loaded trucks on railway wagons, continues to provide a cost-effective logistics solution while improving freight efficiency across the region.

The first high-capacity rake, with wagons capable of carrying up to 57 tons, commenced operations on November 5, 2025. The second rake, featuring the same enhanced capacity, was introduced on December 3, 2025, expanding the reach of this innovative freight solution. Each rake comprises 15 BRN wagons, designed to carry trucks up to 57 MT, and 35 BOXN wagons, capable of handling trucks up to 50 MT. According to railway guidelines, the maximum weight permitted for BRN wagons is 57 MT and for BOXN wagons 50 MT. The increased capacity applies exclusively to these two rakes, while other rakes continue to operate with the 50 MT weight limit. For trucks exceeding 50 MT and up to 57 MT, charges are fixed at Rs 800 per MT plus applicable GST.

The enhanced capacity of these rakes is expected to significantly benefit transporters and industries dealing with heavy consignments such as iron and steel, marble, tiles, and construction materials along the Konkan Railway network. This initiative demonstrates Konkan Railway’s commitment to supporting trade and industry through innovative freight solutions along the West Coast corridor, providing both efficiency and cost-effectiveness for businesses that rely on timely and secure transportation of heavy goods.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

India Launches Its First ‘Ro-Ro’ Rail Service from Maharashtra to Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

August 2025 – India has taken a groundbreaking step in transforming its inter-state transport infrastructure with the official launch of its first ‘Ro-Ro’ (Roll-on/Roll-off) Rail Service. Designed to enhance passenger convenience, the new service allows travelers to board the train with their own private vehicles, significantly reducing travel stress, cost, and time.

‘Ro-Ro’ stands for Roll-on/Roll-off – a transport method where vehicles roll onto the train at the starting point and roll off at the destination. This model has been widely adopted across Europe and now makes its debut on Indian soil.

📍 Route Details

  • Starting Point: Kolad, Maharashtra
  • Destination: Verna, Goa
  • Carrying Capacity: Up to 40 cars per trip
  • Travel Duration: Optimized to reduce lengthy road travel

The service is operated using a dedicated locomotive coach attached to special car-carrying wagons. Passengers remain in their vehicles during transit or can move to a passenger coach if available.

Historically, Indian railways have been a backbone of national transport since the first passenger train ran from Bombay to Thane in 1853. This modern adaptation of Ro-Ro services signals a leap forward in accessible, eco-friendly, and personalized travel.

With heavy traffic congestion and long road trips being common between Maharashtra and Goa—especially during festive or tourist seasons—this Ro-Ro service offers a timely, stress-free alternative.

Bookings are now open to the public. A notable surge in advance reservations has been reported, showing immense public interest. The pricing is competitive, and the operational design ensures that the train reaches on time without frequent halts at intermediary stations.

Railway officials and transport ministers have highlighted the ‘Ro-Ro’ service as a “milestone in India’s vision for smart and sustainable travel.” The project has been designed keeping in mind the daily commuter as well as the weekend traveler.

Though currently limited to the Kolad–Verna route, there are speculations that the Indian Railways may soon replicate this model across other busy corridors. With its blend of personal comfort and rail efficiency, the Ro-Ro model could redefine the way Indians travel domestically.