Konkan is a coastal strip
sandwiched between the Sahyadri Mountains in the east and the Arabian Sea in
the west. As a result of this, the terrain has evolved to be one of the
unusually unique experiences in India. One of the least explored regions of the
country, Konkan coastline is filled with surprisingly clean beaches, lush
scenery, spiritual locations and rich Maratha heritage. Once a trading region
where Portuguese and British arrived to gain hold over India’s rich spices,
cotton, rice, cotton, silk, precious stones, Konkan has now evolved as a
distinctive region filled with cultural, historical and traditional
attractions. Also, one can’t miss out the tender mix of spices and tangy
flavours in the Konkani coastal curries.
A missing link between commercial
capital of India, Mumbai, and Mangalore, Konkan Route is a massive
741-kilometre railway line that connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka States.
Enroute, the tracks trace the region of matchless beauty along the
criss-crossing rivers, plunging valleys and mountains that rise into the
clouds, leaving the traveller mesmerized with its beauty.
A lifeline of Konkan region, the
15year old route is serving the region in focus and the nation at large with
its strong connectivity. The route is not only helping the locals with strong
connectivity and transportation of goods and essentials, but also is a
formidable achievement in resurrecting inland tourism to the western peninsula
coastline. Rich in mineral resources, dense forests and a landscape fringed
with paddy, coconut and mango groves, Konkan region is the nature in the most
natural form.
The untouched location with the
highly sensitive coastal hills was not an easy task to lay down the tracks. It
was also one of the most challenging train routes to plan and execute. The
difficult terrain to be conquered and the short construction time required the
engineers to be alert and implementing of several technological innovations,
that too with the collective efforts of team. The spectacular terrain here
overcame the natural challenges with the support and painstaking efforts of the
train staff.
The spreading of the route and its in time completion also
changed the lives of the Engineers and other people, besides people having the
benefits of this ambitious project. For them, the Konkan project is a matter of
pride, an achievement of overcoming all odds and a manmade feat over nature.
And after 15 years, the route is actively used in
transporting goods, accelerating leisure tourism and connecting families. Daily
around 38 passenger trains run on this single line section, pass through
tunnels and give tourists a rich experience of travelling from the trails of
nature.
Tourists can also enjoy this heartwarming ride through special
Konkan Rail Tours. Not just they allow them to take in the unlimited pleasures
of the naturally serene journey, but also help the tourists experience the
fantastic destinations in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and even in Kerala.
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