Understanding the Konkan Railway Route

The Konkan Railway is a significant railway line that runs along the Konkan coast of India. It connects the western parts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. Known for its scenic beauty, the route passes through numerous tunnels and bridges.

The question asks about the southern terminal point of the Konkan Railway, stating that Mumbai is one end (specifically, the northern end is often considered to start near Mumbai, at Roha). We need to identify the major city at its southern end among the given options.

Analyzing the Options

• Goa: Goa is a state that the Konkan Railway passes through. However, it is located roughly in the middle of the route, not at the southern endpoint.
• Mangalore: Mangalore (now Mangaluru) is a major port city in Karnataka and serves as a key terminal for the Konkan Railway towards the south. The Konkan Railway formally extends just south of Mangalore.
• Cochin: Cochin (now Kochi) is a major city in Kerala, located much further south along the coast than Mangalore. The Konkan Railway route does not extend to Cochin.
• Kanyakumari: Kanyakumari is located at the southernmost tip of mainland India, even further south than Cochin. The Konkan Railway does not connect to Kanyakumari directly.

Based on the geographical route of the Konkan Railway, it starts near Mumbai (Roha) and ends near Mangalore (Thokur). Therefore, Mangalore is the correct city that the Konkan Railway connects with Mumbai at its southern end.