KANNUR: Despite the arrival of Vandebharat as part of the modernization of the railways, the RO-RO freight service, which is conducive to a revolutionary change in freight movement and environment-friendly transport, did not take off. Three years have passed since the successful completion of its trial run. The reason behind the railways turning their back on this project, which is highly profitable and sufficient to ease traffic congestion on the roads, is not clear.

The roll-on and roll-off system where goods lorries are transported by train is most useful for Kerala. It could also avoid the congestion caused by the goods lorries running on national highways and other bypasses.

In July 2020, RO-RO ran from Kannur to Kozhikode as an experiment. A trial run was also conducted on the Kozhikode-Eranakulam line. The report of the expert panel was also in favor of the RO-RO service. In the first phase, railway stations like Kannur South Station, Kozhikode West Hill, Ernakulam, and Kottayam were considered for RO-RO service. For this purpose, the Railways agreed in principle to immediately construct height gauge, weighbridge to check weight and ramp facility. Railways assessed that few stations have the facility to load and unload goods lorries. The demand to start RO-RO service at least up to Ernakulam in Kerala via Konkan is years old.

RO-RO service

A system where goods trucks are loaded instead of goods wagons on the rake. Each train can carry 30 to 40 trucks.

From Kankanady to Kerala

At present, lorries are coming to Kerala by road after unloading goods at Surathkal in Karnataka. With the new system coming up, cargo lorries from Mumbai and elsewhere can be connected to the RO-RO service from Kankanady near Mangaluru to the southern tip of Kerala. Railway inspection found that there is no obstacle for RO-RO to pass through the tunnels at Mangalore Kulashekara and Kasaragod Kalanad. There will be no other disruptions to the service except for minor changes at a few stations.

"Support to the RO-RO system, which can reduce environmental pollution along with fuel savings, has already been given."

Adv PK John, State President, Lorry Operators Association