New Delhi (NVI): Indian Railways achieved a significant milestone of pulling 3.13 million tonnes (MT) freight traffic ahead of last year’s level, in spite of COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Railways said.
The total freight loading was 3.13 million tonnes (MT) on July 27, 2020 which was higher than last year till the same date, the ministry said in a statement.
It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasized upon achievement of long term and far-reaching goals during the lockdown.
Accordingly, Railways has completed nearly 200 infrastructure works in this period and has achieved a milestone in freight transportation too.
Apart from this, the average speed of freight trains on July 27, 2020, was 46.16 kmph which is more than double as compared to last year (22.52 kmph), the railways said.
In the month of July, the average speed of freight trains is 45.03 kmph which is around double as compared to last year for the same month (23.22 kmph).
Meanwhile, the West Central Railway with the average speed of 54.23 kmph, Northeast Frontier Railway with the speed of 51 kmph, East Central Railway 50.24 kmph, East Cost Railway 41.78 kmph, South East Central Railway 42.83 kmph, South Eastern Railway 43.24 kmph and Western Railway with the speed of 44.4 kmph are the leading Railway Zones in the average speed of freight train in Indian Railways.
On July 27, a total of 1,039 rakes were loaded with freight in Indian Railways which includes 76 rakes of foodgrain, 67 rakes of fertilizer, 49 rakes of steel, 113 rakes of cement, 113 rakes of iron ore and 363 rakes of coal.
Notably, these improvements in freight movements will be institutionalized and incorporated in the upcoming zero based time table. These steps will lead to significantly higher freight traffic and earnings for Railways and cost competitive logistics for the entire country.
The statement further stated, it is worth mentioning that a number of concessions and discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make the freight movement very attractive.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has been used by Railways as an opportunity to improve all-round efficiencies and performances.
-RJV
