In a boost for the Indian Railways, the government announced that freight figures for the month of October exceeded figures from last year by 15%, thereby maintaining its high momentum in terms of earnings and loading.
“On mission mode, Indian Railways‘ freight loading for the month of October 2020 crossed last year’s loading and earnings for the same period,” read a statement by the Ministry of Railways.
Indian Railways’ loading in the month of October 2020 was 108.16 million tonnes, which is 15% higher compared to the previous year’s loading for the same period (93.75 million tonnes). In this period, Indian Railways earned INR10,405.12 crore from freight loading, which is also INR868.90 crore (9%) higher compared to last year’s earnings for the same period ( INR 9,536.22 crore).
For October, the loading was 108.16 million tonnes which includes 46.97 million tonnes of coal, 14.68 million tonnes of iron ore, 5.03 million tonnes of foodgrains, 5.93 million tonnes of fertilisers and 6.62 million tonnes of cement (excluding clinker).
Amidst the pandemic, 2020 has witnessed record freight movement by the Indian Railways. Even the Ministry, while acknowledging it, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has been used by the Indian Railways as an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.
“It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive. It may be noted that improvements in freight movements will be institutionalised and incorporated in the upcoming zero based time table. Also, to attract new business and incentivise other existing clients, Ministry of Railways has held meetings with top leadership of iron & steel, cement, power, coal, automobiles and logistics service providers. Also, Business Development units at Zonal & Divisional levels and near doubling of freight speed is contributing to sustainable growth momentum inspite of blocked freight services in Punjab.”
~Statement by the Ministry of Railways
