Foodgrains loading drives freight traffic of Indian Railways

The Indian Railways has achieved record loading of foodgrains, 80 percent more than last year, and has set a target of achieving 50 percent more freight loading in the current fiscal as compared to 2019-2020.

Freight loading at 3.13 million tonnes has surpassed last year's level. A total of 1,039 rakes were loaded as on July 27, which includes 76 rakes of foodgrains, 67 rakes of fertilizer, 49 rakes of steel, 113 rakes of cement, 113 rakes of iron ore and 363 rakes of coal.

However, the cumulative overall loading of freight trains remains 18.18 percent less than last year.

In July, growth was seen in five categories - Iron & Steel 12.21 percent (YoY), Clinker - 8.84 percent (YoY), foodgrains - 67.15 percent (YoY), fertiliser - 13.3 percent (YoY) and other goods - 22.3 percent (YoY).

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The contraction in rail freight stood at 6.73 percent, compared to 8.04 percent in June and 21.28 percent in May.

As it looks to offset the losses in the passenger segment, Indian Railways is counting on freight traffic to boost its depleted finances.

Railway Board Chairman VK Yadav has admitted that the national transporter is going to take a hit in passenger revenues due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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