Kannur: Even after successfully conducting a trial run 5 years ago, the much-anticipated Roll-On Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) service is yet to commence operations in Kerala. Meanwhile, Konkan Railway is preparing to expand and modernise its Ro-Ro services along the Mumbai–Mangalore sector. The primary reason for the delay in Kerala is the reluctance of the Southern Railway to implement the service, despite proven benefits.

Ro-Ro transportation involves moving freight trucks (lorries) by loading them onto specially designed railway wagons. If operational in Kerala, this service could significantly speed up freight movement, reduce road congestion, and cut down on fuel consumption and air pollution. Engineer Dr. E. Sreedharan had earlier recommended extending Ro-Ro services to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. With the commissioning of the Vizhinjam port, the relevance of Ro-Ro in Kerala has further increased.

The trial run through Mangalore in August 2020 had proved successful. Currently, the Konkan Railway operates Ro-Ro services on the 760-kilometre stretch between Kolad (Maharashtra) and Surathkal (Karnataka). Interestingly, most trucks unloaded at Surathkal carry goods destined for Kerala. Trucks from Kollam, Kottayam, Kochi, Kannur, and other parts of the state also transported back to Kolad via Surathkal.

At present, trucks are driven to Surathkal and then loaded onto wagons. Major railway stations in Kerala including Kannur (Edakkad), Kozhikode (West Hill), Shoranur, Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram, all listed as commercial hubs for potential Ro-Ro operations.

Key benefits:

• Faster freight movement than by road

• Loading and unloading take just 15–20 minutes

• Reduced diesel consumption and air pollution

• Lower risk of road accidents

• Cost-effective transportation

Cars Now on Ro-Ro Too

Konkan Railway Corporation has recently upgraded its Ro-Ro model to allow cars as well. A pilot project will run on the 500-kilometre Kolad–Verna (Goa) section, where cars will be driven directly onto the train and unloaded via special ramps at the destination.

In August 2020, a trial run of the Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service via Mangalore to Kerala was successfully conducted. As part of the preparations, the height of the Shoranur Railway Over Bridge (ROB) was adjusted to accommodate the service. During this phase, Ro-Ro freight trains had also reached Kannur via Salem.

In 2021, during the September and October time period, a total of 31 road equipment units, including JCBs, arrived from Jabalpur. For this purpose, special ramps were constructed at stations, including Kannur.

At present, cars are being transported to Kerala through a lighter version of the Ro-Ro model. These vehicles are being carried using the Railways’ newly modified goods (NMG) coaches.