Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry, Food and Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Shri Piyush Goyal on 19.11.2020 reviewed the functioning of all the directorates of Railway Board. Meeting was attended by Chairman & CEO Railway Board and all officers of rank ED level and above.
- The Minister emphasised on the need to focus on the needs of ordinary travellers and businesses whether it’s the development of more amenities in the sleeper or 3A classes or making freight more customised and simple for all businesses.
- During the last 8 months, Indian Railways has taken up the challenge to lead the national fight back against Corona and it’s social economic consequences in an outstanding manner whether it was resurgence in freight volumes, completion of vital maintenance projects during the lockdown or supporting the national health care efforts.
- The Minister stressed on continuation of good work being done and not letting the guard down.
- The Minister said that better monitoring, time bound completion of projects and increasing operational efficiencies would ensure achievement of all the development initiatives being taken especially the capacity building in the Railway infrastructure sector.
- The Minister sought suggestions and inputs from officers to further improve the performance of in major areas of development in Railways like business operations and infrastructure .
Shri Piyush Goyal said that Proper planning and due diligence before the start of the project was vital for not only ensuring that there was no cost escalation in the projects but also for their comprehensive completion as well.
Recent Achievement:
Meanwhile, Freight figures continue to maintain the high momentum in terms of earnings and loading in the month of October 2020 for Indian Railways.
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% higher compare to last year’s loading for the same period (93.75 million tonnes).
- In this period Indian Railways earned Rs. 10405.12 Crores from freight loading which is also Rs. 868.90 Cr.(9%) higher compare to last year’s earnings for the same period (Rs. 9536.22 crores).
- In the month of October 2020 Indian Railways 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 fertilizers and 6.62 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 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 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.
- Covid-19 has been used by Indian Railways an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.
Source: PIB-Press Release | Image Credit: Shri Piyush Goyal-Twitter
