SCR freight up by 50%

9.528 million tonnes transported in July

South Central Railway’s special focus on enhancing freight loading is continuing to yield positive results in spite of the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic in this current financial year with 9.528 million tonnes (MTs) transported in July, more than 50% compared to last year’s loading of 6.341 MTs during the same time. Major commodity – coal – has seen a revival in loading and has gained momentum with 4.139 MTs loaded last month, a 66% increase; and cement loading is another major contributor to the total freight, picking up by 53% with 2.811 MTs being loaded. Similarly, special focus being given to support the agricultural sector for transportation through railways has resulted in foodgrains and fertilizers loading registering 0.794 MTs and 0.735 MTs, respectively, informed senior officials on Wednesday. The entire freight loading has been on an upswing in the first four months, April-July, when the cumulative loading has touched 38.164 MTs, which is 54% more compared to the same period in the last financial year. During the period, the loading consisted of 18.455 MTs of coal, 10.63 MTs of cement, 2.56 MTs of foodgrains, and 2.038 MTs of fertilizers.