Railways registers 15% increase in freight loading, earnings go up by 9% in Oct 2020

• Indian Railways register a remarkable increase in the overall freight loading

• In October Railways has registered growth of 9% compared to the same month last year

New Delhi: Indian Railways's regular passenger train services are suspended since March 24, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. However, the freight loading figures are continuously maintaining the high momentum in terms of earnings and loading. In a statement issued on Sunday, Indian Railways said that it has registered a significant spike in freight loading and earnings in the month of October 2020.

On mission mode, Indian Railways' freight loading for the month of October 2020 crossed last year's loading and earnings for the same period. In the month of October 2020, Indian Railways loading was 108.16 million tonnes which is 15 percent higher compared to last year's loading for the same period (93.75 million tonnes). In this period Railways earned Rs 10405.12 crore from freight loading which is also 9 percent higher compared to last year's earnings of Rs 9536.22 crore for the same period.

ALSO Read: Indian Railways registers over 10% jump in freight loading

In the month of October 2020, Indian Railways loading was 108.16 million tonnes which include 46.97 million tonnes of coal, 14.68 million tonnes of iron ore, 5.03 million tonnes of foodgrains, 5.93 million tonnes of fertilizers and 6.62 million tonnes of cement (excluding clinker).

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 institutionalized 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 the top leadership of iron & steel, cement, power, coal, automobiles and logistics service providers.

ALSO READ: Here is what Railways has done to boost freight operations

Also, Business Development units at zonal & divisional levels and the near doubling of freight speed is contributing to sustainable growth momentum in spite of blocked freight services in Punjab. COVID-19 has been used by Indian Railways an opportunity to improve all-round efficiencies and performances.

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