New Delhi: Indicating a fast-moving economic upswing, freight figures continue to maintain the high momentum in terms of earnings and loading in the month of January 2021 for Indian Railways. Surpassing the previous best of 119.74 Million Tonnes (MT) in March 2019, Indian Railways has registered the highest-ever loading figures of 119.79 MT in January 2021.
On mission mode, Indian Railways' freight loading for the last few months has crossed the last year's loading and earnings for the same period. It is expected that cumulative freight loading will surpass last year's freight loading figures.
As per the statistics till February 8, Indian Railways loading was 30.54 million tonnes, which includes 13.61 million tonnes of coal, 4.15 million tonnes of iron ore, 1.04 million tonnes of food grains, 1.03 million tonnes of fertilizers, 0.96 million tonnes of mineral oil and 1.97 million tonnes of cement (excluding clinker).
It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make the railways' freight movement very attractive. The COVID-19 crisis has been used by the Indian Railways as an opportunity to improve all-round efficiency and performances.
Also, to attract new business and incentives from other existing clients, the Ministry of Railways has held meetings with the top leadership of iron and steel, cement, power, coal, automobiles and logistics service providers.
Also, business development units at zonal & divisional levels and the near doubling of freight speed is contributing to sustainable growth momentum.
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