Railways' Freight Traffic Exceeds Last Year's Level Despite COVID 19

On mission mode, Indian Railways achieved a significant milestone of pulling freight traffic ahead of  last year's level inspite of COVID 19 related challenges.

On 19 August 2020 the freight loading was 3.11 million tonnes which is higher than last year for the same date (2.97 million tonnes). On 19 August 2020 Indian Railways earned Rs. 306.1 Cr. from freight loading which is Rs. 5.28 Cr. higher than last year for the same date (300.82 Cr.).

In the Month of August 2020 till 19 August 2020 the total freight loading is 57.47 million tonnes which is higher than last year for the same period (53.65 million tonnes). In the Month of August 2020 till 19 August 2020 Indian Railways earned Rs. 5461.21 Cr. from freight loading which is Rs. 25.9 Cr. higher than last year for the same period (5435.31 Cr).

It may be noted that in line with Hon’ble 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. 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:

○ Economical transportation due to the subsidies provided

○ Prompt and efficient delivery of goods

○ Safe transportation, ensuring goods reach their destination without damage

○ Environment-friendly method of transportation - will reduce the carbon footprint

○ Introduction of a special train like Kisan Rail, accruing additional benefits to farmers     and keeping perishables fresh for consumption

● These promotions can be done in collaboration with Industry Associations.

● Focus on how manufacturers and wholesalers will be benefitted as they will get their stock timely for Diwali

● Indian Railways will publicise direct contact numbers and website details which can be accessed by traders for transporting freight, enhancing their ease.

● Indian Railways can share human interest stories, highlighting how the common man is able to easily procure products for his daily needs and benefiting from the efficient services of Indian Railways.

Some of the major novel freight initiatives of Indian Railways are as follows:

◆         Business development Units set up at all three levels – Division, Zones, Railways Board

◆         Doubled the speed of freight trains from 23 kmph to 46 kmph

◆         Time tabled parcel trains started from 30th March 2020 – 20 pairs

◆         Opening up of export traffic to Bangladesh for Parcels and Containers - 10th July 2020

◆         Opening up of Export traffic to Bangladesh for Automobiles – 12th August 2020

◆         Kisan Rail introduced from Devlali (Nashik) to Danapur (Patna) – Multiple stoppages , Multiple commodities, Multiple parties- 2 trips already run on 7th and 14th August 2020

◆         Freight cargo express trains - Vyapaar Mala Express trains

◆         Tariff and Non tariff initiatives to make Rail transportation more attractive

◆         Good sheds being improved on mission mode - 405 identified

◆         Pilot project launched with ‘Department of Posts’ to provide door-to-door service to customers.