ECoR sets new record in freight loading in FY19-20

Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has set a new record during 2019-20 financial year by loading 200.85 million tonne of freight from its jurisdiction which is 4.73% more than the previous financial year. In 2018-19 financial year, this Railway had loaded 191.76 million tonne of freight.

From the earning side, ECoR has earned Rs 20125 crores from freight in 2019-20 financial year as against Rs 18180 crores carried in last financial year with an increase of 11%.

South Eastern Railway (SER) has carried 171.11 MT, South East Central Railway (SECR) 169 MT and East Central Railway (ECR) carried 148 MT of freight during 2019-20 financial year. In the earnings side, SER earned Rs 14459.5 crores, ECR Rs 15117.8 crores and SECR earned Rs 19835 crores respectively.

East Coast Railway achieved this milestone despite damages to Railway properties in cyclone Fani and adverse effect on loading and train operations. The ECoR had made the quickest possible restoration of train services in the aftermath of the cyclone and the loss due to the cyclone had been pegged at more than Rs 600 crore.

Surpassing the 200 MT loading target has been achieved due to focus on freight traffic movements, innovative steps and key interventions by Railway Ministry which helped to get it on to the fast-track. This achievement has also been made despite major effect of cyclone FANI and other obstructions like naxalite activities in major freight loading hubs, landslides and boulder falling on Railway track disrupting train movements, labour strike at different loading hubs.

In a statement, the ECoR said it gives full credit for this achievement to its hardworking and dedicated staff in all its three divisions. Special mention to be made regarding the efforts and cooperation from all stakeholders including collieries, ports, steel plants, cement, alumina plants, petroleum companies, and Food Corporation of India.