Revenue from logistics, tech isKonkan rly's new train of thought

Margao: Faced with challenges of declining freight traffic and the impact of economic downturn, the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) is looking at transforming itself into a “complete logistic service provider” even as it strives to look for new revenue streams in areas of its expertise — railway engineering and technological innovations.

“The company is striving hard to convert itself into a complete logistics service provider. This is a sunrise field where I find lots of revenue is available without much of expenditure, and the profit margin is very very high. The backbone of Konkan Railway can definitely be used to exploit logistic advantages which we have got,” H D Gujrati, director, operations and commercial, KRCL, said in his address at the 29th Foundation Day celebrations of the Corporation on Tuesday.

Towards this end, Gujrati pointed out, Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR) has set up a container terminal at Balli in Goa. “Once the (required) clearance is available, probably EXIM (export-import) traffic will start moving on that route,” he said.

KRCL’s Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service has been extended upto Karambeli near Vapi in Gujarat on the Western Railway, he informed. “We are negotiating with the Indian Railways to make it a permanent service,” Gujrati said.

Besides, the innovative Automatic Train Examination System (ATES) developed by Konkan Railway has been installed on various zones of Indian Railways. “The ATES has been appreciated by the Indian Railways; a significant order is expected to come from the Indian Railways soon,” Gujrati added.