GUWAHATI: On mission mode, Indian Railways achieved a significant milestone of pulling freight traffic ahead of last year's level despite of COVID-19 related challenges.
According to a release, on August 19, the freight loading was 3.11 million tonnes which is higher than last year for the same date (2.97 million tonnes). On the day Indian Railways earned Rs. 306.1 crore from freight loading which is Rs. 5.28 crore higher than last year for the same date (300.82 crore).
In the month of August till August 19 the total freight loading is 57.47 million tonnes which is higher than last year for the same period (53.65 million tonnes). The Indian Railways earned Rs. 5461.21 crore from freight loading which is Rs. 25.9 Cr. higher than last year for the same period (5435.31 crore). NFR also managed to increase it goods earnings for the month of July to Rs. 178.37 crore which is significantly higher than last year's earning of Rs 143.40 crore during the same month.
It may be noted that in line with the Prime Minister's call to improve logistics in the country, Indian Railways has been making huge strides in increasing the speed and volume of goods carried. The Indian Railways is going to promote Railways' freight service, making traders, businesses and suppliers aware of the benefits associated with transportation through Indian Railways. Some benefits of Railway freight transportation includes:
n Economical transportation due to the subsidies provided
n Prompt and efficient delivery of goods
n Safe transportation, ensuring goods reach their destination without damage
n Environment-friendly method of transportation - will reduce the carbon footprint
n Introduction of a special train like Kisan Rail, for keeping perishables fresh for consumption
Some of the major novel freight initiatives of Indian Railways are as follows:
n Business development Units set up at all three levels – Division, Zones, Railways Board
n Doubled the speed of freight trains from 23 kmph to 46 kmph
n Time tabled parcel trains started from 30th March 2020 – 20 pairs
n Opening up of export traffic to Bangladesh for Parcels and Containers - 10th July 2020
n Opening up of Export traffic to Bangladesh for Automobiles – 12th August 2020
n Freight cargo expresses trains - Vyapaar Mala Express trains
n Tariff and Non tariff initiatives to make Rail transportation more attractive
n Good sheds being improved on mission mode - 405 identified
n Pilot project launched with 'Department of Posts' to provide door-to-door service to customers.
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