Rail freight loading rises by over 15%, revenue 14% – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The freight loading by the railways increased by 15.3% in September this year compared to the corresponding period last year in 2019 and revenue from freight also grew by 13.5%, which is being seen as an indicator of significant resumption of economic activities. The increase in freight loading was across all the commodities, with foodgrain registering 101% increase over last September.
Railway Board CEO and chairman V K Yadav said, “In the month of September in any year, we have crossed 100 million tonnes (MTs).” He said earning was also close to Rs 10,000 crore, which was higher than the earning in September 2019. According to official data, the earning was Rs 1,181 crore more than last year’s for the same month.
The details shared by the railway ministry also showed that loading of freight has increased month after month since April. During last month, freight loading was 102MT compared to 88MT in the same month last year. The data showed there was an 18% increase each in two categories — iron, steel and cement, clinker.
“Almost all commodities have shown positive growth in September and that gives a good indication of real revival of the Indian economy…It clearly indicates that Indian economy is recovering and the economic activities are really improving,” Yadav said.