Economy On The Upswing: Railways Continues To Post High Freight Loadings, At Over 119 MT In January 2021

Indicating a fast moving economic upswing, freight movement continues to maintain the high momentum in terms of earnings and loading in the month of January 2021 for Indian Railways.

Continuing with growth in freight transportation, the national transporter has registered the highest ever loadings at 119.79 million tonnes (MT) in January 2021.

The last best was in March 2019 at 119.74 MT. On mission mode, the public transporter's goods loading for the last few months have crossed the last year’s transportation and earnings for the same period.

It is expected that cumulative freight loading will surpass last year’s freight loading figures.

As per the latest data for February 2021, Railways loading was 30.54 MT which includes 13.61 MT of coal, 4.15 MT of iron ore, 1.04 MT of foodgrains, 1.03 MT of fertilizers, 0.96 MT of mineral oil and 1.97 MT of cement (excluding clinker).

It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/discounts are also being given by Indian Railways to make freight movement attractive.

Covid-19 has been used by Indian Railways as an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.

Also, to attract new business and incentivise other existing clients, the Ministry of Railways has held meetings with the top leadership of iron and steel, cement, power, coal, automobiles and logistics service providers.

Business Development units at the zonal and divisional levels and near- doubling of freight speed is also contributing to the sustainable growth momentum.