Can Indian Railways keep up the momentum in freight traffic?

The Indian Railways is pulling out all stops to increase its share of freight traffic. Considered a high-frequency economic indicator, it has taken various measures to boost freight operations, including launching a freight business development portal.

Abhilesh Babel, CEO - Infra Advisory, Feedback Infra, feels the railways is on the right track.

"Railways has shown strong organic growth in freight, despite short-term fluctuations in cargo loading. The same is going to further improve, with the full-operationalisation of the eastern and western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). As and when the government completes privatisation of CONCOR, it will provide additional boost to freight traffic. Railways should be in the business of owning tracks and running trains, not in the business of controlling and servicing cargo, which may be better managed through private sector enterprise. Even in bulk cargo, railways should invite private operators like container train operators," he told Moneycontrol.

So, what does the freight market look like for the national transporter in the long run?