A meeting was conducted on 19.09.2019 in Central Railway Headquarters, to familiarise customers with the recent changes in policy announced by Ministry of Railways. It was attended by major freight customers representing a cross section of industries, including ACC, Ultra Tech Ambuja, Orient (cement), Western Coal Fields Ltd., PNP Maritime (coal), Jindal Steel Works (steel), Mahindra & Mahindra (automobiles), RCF (fertilizers) and Container Train Operators (CONCOR, CWC, DLIB).
The meeting was addressed by Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Shri B. K. Dadabhoy, Principal Chief Operations Manager Shri D. K. Singh, Chief Commercial Manager, Freight Services Shri P. K. Ranade and Chief Freight Transportation Manager Shri S.S. Gupta.
The Ministry of Railways recently announced withdrawal of levy of 15% busy season surcharge and 5% supplementary charges on mini and two point rakes. In addition a scheme for attracting round trip traffic of containers moving within a radius of 50 kms was announced, giving an effective concession of 35%.
Another scheme for de-notification of commodities for container traffic granted an effective concession of 31%. Railway officials explained the importance of electronic transmission of railway receipts and how it would benefit customers by saving time and cost.
ACC cement representative explained the industry trend towards bulk cement and how this would gradually shift traffic towards containers which in turn would move by rail. Cement and coal traffic which was adversely impacted by heavy rains is likely to recover after monsoon.
Jindal Steel Works and Mahindra & Mahindra representing steel and automobile industries respectively informed that loading would pick up in the second half of the year subject to their getting approvals of terminal proposals. Container Traffic is expected to pick up in response to the round trip charging scheme. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Chief Commercial Manager Freight Services Shri P.K. Ranade.