The Konkan Railway (KR) alignment literally carved out of the Western Ghats passes through one of the most difficult and formidable terrain in India, both physically and geologically. Its massive railway structures have become admired features and due to its engineering marvels KR itself has become a tourist attraction. A secondary data based study covering the period from pre-construction to completion and full length operation (1989-2001)—this well-researched work attempts to examine and analyse the impact of major infrastructure project of KR on the environment and socio-economic profile of the western coastal region of India. It explores the spatio-temporal pattern of change by incorporating an integrated study of aspects such as land use, environmental conservation, population growth, urbanisation, resettlement and rehabilitation, and tourism and industrial development in the region.