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Indian Railways Crosses 1-Billion-Tonne Freight Milestone<a href=”https://nextminutenews.online/?s=
Indian Railways”>**
Indian Railways has set a new record by surpassing 1 billion tonnes of freight loading in the financial year 2023-24, achieving a 3% year-on-year growth. This milestone highlights the railways’ pivotal role in strengthening India’s economy and supply chain efficiency through infrastructure modernization and operational optimization.
Freight Loading Breakdown: Key Commodities
According to the Ministry of Railways, the national transporter loaded 1.002 billion tonnes of freight in FY24, up from 972 million tonnes in FY23. The growth was driven by:
– Coal (50% share): Power sector demand fueled transportation.
– Cement & Steel (15% share): Boosted by infrastructure and construction growth.
– Foodgrains & Fertilizers (12% share): Critical for agricultural supply chains.
– Containers & Automotive (10% share): Reflecting manufacturing and export expansion.
Key Growth Drivers
- Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs): Partially operational Eastern and Western DFCs cut transit times between industrial hubs and ports.
- Policy Reforms: Dynamic pricing and round-trip discounts attracted more businesses to rail freight.
- Tech Integration: Real-time tracking and digital systems improved efficiency.
- Sustainability: Railways’ lower carbon footprint made them a preferred choice for eco-friendly logistics.
Economic & Environmental Benefits
- Cost-Effective: Rail freight is 30–40% cheaper than road transport.
- Reduced Emissions: Railways contribute just 1–2% of India’s transport emissions despite handling 30% of freight traffic.
- Less Road Congestion: Shift from trucks eased highway traffic and maintenance costs.
Challenges to Address
- Last-Mile Connectivity: Many industries still depend on trucks for final deliveries.
- Speed Limitations: Freight trains average 25–30 kmph, lagging behind global standards.
- Road Competition: Trucks offer more flexible door-to-door services.
Future Plans
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined upcoming initiatives:
– DFC Expansion: Completing Eastern and Western corridors and launching new routes.
– Private Sector Participation: Boosting efficiency through private freight terminals.
– 100% Electrification: Cutting diesel dependency and operational costs.
Conclusion
The 1-billion-tonne freight milestone underscores Indian Railways’ critical role in India’s logistics and economic growth. With continued reforms and infrastructure development, the railways are set to drive India closer to its $5 trillion economy goal.
— Reported by [Your Name], NextMinuteNews
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