The Indian Railways has surpassed last year’s cumulative freight loading on 28th February in spite of Covid-19 challenges.

The Ministry said that freight figures continue to maintain the high momentum in terms of loading, earning and speed in the month of February 2021 as well for Indian Railways. Yesterday’s loading crossed five million tonnes.

“As on 28 February, Indian Railways cumulative freight loading was 1102.17 million tonnes for this year which is higher compared to last year for the same period (1102.1 million tonnes). On a month to month basis up to February 28, the Indian Railways loading was 112.25 million tonnes, which is almost 10 per cent higher compared to  loading up to  February 28 of last year. (102.21 million tonnes),” it said.

On a day to day basis, the freight loading of Indian Railways was 5.23 million tonnes, which is 36 per cent higher compared to last year’s loading for the same date (3.83 million tonnes).

The average speed of freight trains in the month of February 2021 was 46.09 kmph which is more than double as compared to last year for the same month (23.01 kmph). On 28th February, the average speed of freight trains was 47.51 kmph compared to 23.17 kmph last year for the same date which is also more than double.

Also in the month of February this year,  Indian Railways earned Rs. 11096.89 crores from freight loading which is 7.7 per cent higher compared to last year’s earnings for the same period (Rs 10305.02 crores). On 28th February 2021 Indian Railways earned Rs 509.44 crores from freight loading which is 34 per cent higher compared to last year’s earnings for the same day (Rs 378.56 crores).

It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive. Strong emergence of business development units in zones and divisions, constant dialogue with the industry and logistics service providers , faster speed etc are adding to the robust growth of freight business for the Railways.

It may be noted that COVID 19 has been used by Indian Railways as an opportunity to improve all-round efficiencies and performances.