Despite the challenges posed by the rising second wave of the COVID pandemic, the Indian Railways has outshined itself by closing the year with record freight loading and earnings.
In the closing month of this fiscal year 2020-21, Indian Railways surpassed the previous year’s loading that is 1224.45 million tonnes (MT) compared to last year’s 1205.04 million tonnes (MT) which shows the growth of 2%. The earning of Indian Railways for this fiscal year stood at INR 16634.9 crores from freight loading compared to last year’s earning INR 113477.9 crores which sees the growth of 3%.
For the Month of March 2021, the Indian Railways’ loading showcased a growth of 24% as compared to last year. The loading for this year was 122.19 MT compared to last year’s loading for the same month was 98.76 MT. Furthermore, Indian Railways showcased a similar trend in its earnings from freight loading which also grew by 24%. Railways earned INR12137.22 crores from freight loading compared to last year’s earnings for the same month (INR 9806.09 crores).
On day-to-day basis, as on 31st March, 2021 (morning), the freight loading of Indian Railways was 3.24 million tonnes, which is 35% higher compare to last year’s loading for the same date (2.4 million tonnes). On this date, Indian Railways earned 364.92 crores which is also 53% higher compared to last year’s earnings for the same date (239.14 crores).
The steady growth in freight loading and earnings shown by the Indian Railways despite the many challenges put in by Covid are a result of the continuous effort put in by the Railways in turning the pandemic into opportunity.
Offering of concessions/discounts in Indian Railways are among the factors attributed to this achievement.
It may be noted that improvements in freight movements will be institutionalised and incorporated in the upcoming zero-based time table.
