The Konkan Railway (KR) plans track doubling on certain patches along the 741-km corridor, and is waiting for the green nod from the Railway Board. A proposal for 'patch doubling' over 350 km between Kankavali Sawantwadi and Madgaon-Thokur stations was sent to the board, about a year ago.

KR operates 52 passenger trains and 18 goods trains on the line running through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and a stretch in Kerala. It has a double line of about 50 km between Roha and Veer stations. There is a constraint in running more services on single lines as trains need to be taken to siding passing opposite or same directional trains. The line on this section passes through hilly areas with multiple tunnels, bridges and gorges.

Beyond the Veer and Kankavali (stations), the plain terrain after it, doubling can be done. Barring a few locations, adequate land was acquired when Konkan Railway was established a few decades ago. It is making efforts to enhance passenger amenities, carry more freight and launch more projects.

The KR route has 68 stations and four halts and has provided essential amenities at all of them. The last 10 years, Rs 104.5 crore was spent on passenger amenities like station platforms, foot over bridges and others. This year, too, it is spending about Rs 5.5 crore on passenger amenities.