The Indian Railways is targeting mining zones around the country in order to connect them to the rail network in order to take a bigger part of the freight transportation pie. The national logistics major is also aiming for a 45 percent modal share in freight transportation under its ‘Mission Hungry for Cargo’ project, up from the existing 27 percent.
Different Railway Zones have been given orders to identify districts, survey the overall produce of the mines in their territories, and map the rail route around them as part of the project. According to officials, the ministry has approved the survey of around 100 MT of production capacity mines across the country.
So far, a total of 52 districts have been recognised. Tinsukia, with a production capacity of 0.62 MT, Raiganj, with a capacity of 17 MT, Korba, with a capacity of 111 MT, and Dantewada, with a capacity of 23 MT, are among them.
Coal, iron ore, and bauxite limestone are among the bulk cargo that the Railways wish to carry at a low cost. Official statistics suggest that the national transporter’s market share in goods transportation has been steadily declining, with other means of transportation such as road and even rivers gaining ground.
The Railways have asked its Business Development Units throughout zones to go over each key item in their territories in detail and make every effort to not only bring back freight cargo but also add new products to their basket. “The purpose of mapping these mineral-rich locations is to make sure we can move them by train.” The surveys will determine the closest railhead to the mine, and if none exists, we will build the tracks there.
A senior railway official explained, “The aim is to make railways not only the cheapest but also the most convenient transporter of such commodities.” The railways intend to fund these lines on their own to avoid delays.
“Every loading/unloading point and commodity being transported in that area will be thoroughly examined by the zones, and actions will be taken to raise the railway’s share,” the official stated. Additional lines and sidings will be built where necessary to avoid delays in the loading of products, according to the official.
