The relentless focus being given for the Freight segment combined with the innovative measures and Concessions (Tariff and Non-Tariff) have led to the continued growth in the freight loading of South Central Railway (SCR). The Freight loading of the Zone for the month of October 2020 surpasses the freight loading of the corresponding period in the previous year showing continued positive momentum. The Zone has recorded freight loading of 8.489 MT during the month of October 2020 compared to the loading of 8.224 MT recorded during October 2019, despite the cascading effect of Covid-19 pandemic.
- This is the second consecutive month wherein the monthly freight loading in the current financial year has surpassed the levels recorded during the last financial year.
- More importantly, upswing in the growth in freight loading continues to be broad-based with higher levels of loading being witnessed in almost all commodities, except Coal.
- The Zone – home to some of the best of the Cement Industries Cluster has recorded a growth of 35% increase in Cement loading during October 2020 (loading 2.7 MTs).
- Similarly, the continuous attention being given for the transportation of agricultural related products by the Zone has led Foodgrains and Fertilizers growing at the rate of 57% and 32% (0.776 MTs and 0.661 MTs respectively) in October 2020 compared to last year.
- The Freight Loading in Containers has also increased considerably by 25% (0.116 MTs loading).
- In the Current Financial Year, the Indian Railways has announced several freight concessions and introduced several policy initiatives especially for the essential needs sectors like food grains, fertilizers, cement etc.
- In addition to these, Business Development Units (BDUs) have been set up at both the Zonal and Divisional Levels which has been instrumental in not only strengthening the existing freight traffic but have also succeeded in attracting new traffic in the Current Financial year.
- Though there is a decline in Coal Loading, which is a traditional traffic for SCR, the persistent efforts by these teams has led not only to the rebound in the growth in freight loading but also in making the growth more broad-based.
- The Regular interactions were done with the customers involving Officers and Staff in making the customers aware of the several advantages of loading by Railways and the special attention being given to the movement of the freight trains over the Zone.
- Significantly, the average speed of the freight trains has almost doubled to 51 kmph in October 2020 compared to 26 kmph in October 2019.
Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager of South Central Railway has complimented the sincere efforts of both Zonal and Divisional teams of Operating and Commercial branches in achieving the enhanced freight loading. He advised the BDUs to continue concentrating on generating new traffic apart from retaining the existing traffic. He also instructed the Officials to continuously engage the freight customers and address any concerns raised by freight customers on priority basis.
Recent Achievement:
Buoyed with the success of the previous two Kisan Rails, the South Central Railway on the back of keen interest evinced by the farmers and traders of Anantapur District has started the Third Kisan rail from the Zone on 21st October, 2020 to reach Adarsh Nagar Station in New Delhi. This is the third Rail continuously starting from the district of Anantapur. A total of 242.6 tonnes of commodities have been transported by this train.
- The Govt. of India has started Kisan Rail concept to boost the income of farmers, while providing a hassle-free, safe & fast transport services for the marketing of the Agriculture sector.
- To further encourage the farmers to utilize this railway facility, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries has recently announced extending a 50% tariff concession on the transportation of notified fruits and vegetables through Kisan Rail trains, under ‘Operation Greens – TOP to Total.’
- Accordingly, this is the first Kisan Rail on South Central Railway wherein the 50% tariff concession has been given on the notified fruits and vegetables being transported.
- Significantly, enthused by the response to the first two Kisan Rails and due to the intensive marketing efforts made by the Team of Guntakal Division, the farmers and traders from the Chittoor District have also come forward to avail the Kisan Rail facility for transporting their produce.
- Accordingly, Railway Officials swiftly responded and made necessary arrangements – including notifying the Station for Parcel loading yesterday – for opening the Mulakalacheruvu Railway Station for parcel loading.
- Two Parcel Vans consisting of Tomatoes were loaded for the first time from the station (to Nagpur).
- In addition, Farmers and traders of Anantapur District have loaded 201 tonnes of fruits and vegetables in 10 Parcel Vans from Anantapur Station.
- In total, 12 Parcel Vans (10 from Anantapur and 02 from Mulakalacheruvu) have been loaded in the third Kisan Rail, with 4 parcel Vans meant for Nagpur and another 08 Parcel Vans meant for Delhi (Adarsh Nagar).
- Commodities loaded include Tomato, MuskMelon, Mosambi, lemons and Oranges among others.
Source: South Central Railway-Press Release
