Indian Railways’ Impetus To Freight: Gives 25 per cent Discount To Privately Owned Empty Containers, Flat Wagons

In a bid to encourage small and medium businessmen, entrepreneurs, Ministry of Railways under Piyush Goyal has decided to give a discount of 25 per cent on existing haulage rate per Twenty Feet Equivalent Unit (TEU) on the transport of empty containers as well empty flat container wagons, reports Metro Rail News.

This initiative would also satiate the demand for container train operators (CTOs) and is expected to give a boost to container business both in imports, exports. It is projected to be a profitable proposition for Indian Railways.

Railways also expects to get more traffic by reducing the rate by 25 per cent. Presently 18 private container train operator (CTO) and CONCOR are operating container services. Indian Railways have recognised the need to diversify and expand its freight basket, and the decision is expected to be a move in the direction.

This move will come into force with effect from 1 January 2019 and will remain valid for one year, up to 31 December 2019. Reports also suggest that a review meeting will be conducted by the railways after 30 June 2019.