Indian Railways has launched an extensive programme to convert the metre and narrow gauges to broad gauges. Moreover, steam engines have been replaced by diesel and electric engines. This step has increased the speed, as well as, the haulage capacity. The replacement of steam engines run by coal has also improved the environment of the stations. Metro rail has revolutionalised the urban transport system in India. The replacement of diesel buses with CNG-run vehicles along with the introduction of the metro is a welcome step towards controlling air pollution in urban centres.

When were the Konkan railways constructed in India?

In 1998

One of the important achievements of the Indian Railways has been the construction of Konkan Railway in 1998. It is 760-km long rail route connecting Roha in Maharashtra to Mangalore in Karnataka. It is considered an engineering marvel. It crosses 146 rivers, streams, nearly 2000 bridges and 91 tunnels. Asia’s largest tunnel which is nearly 6.5 km long, also lies on this route. The states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka are partners in this undertaking.