CHENNAI:
Southern Railway has recorded an impressive performance in freight loading during the first two months of the current financial year.
During April – May, 2018, Southern Railway has loaded 6.35 million tonnes of freight as compared to the 4.23 million tonnes loaded during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of 50%. This has also surpassed the Railway Board’s target of 5.43 million tonnes by 17%. Coal loading to power houses increased from 303 rakes to 464 rakes, registering a growth of 53%. Moreover, loading of coal and raw materials to steel plants also increased from 0.29 million tonnes during 2017-18 to 1.03 million tonnes during 2018-19.
Loading of food grains increased by 134%, recording an impressive growth. Loading of automobiles is another area where the zone has excelled by registering a growth of 55%. Loading of fertilisers increased by 11 % and that of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants grew by 6%. The Goods Earnings by the zone increased from Rs.333.92 crores during April – May, 2017 to Rs.527.10 crores during April – May, 2018, registering a growth of 57.85%.
