Maligaon, Sept 24: There has been persistent demand by various big transporters and parcel loading parties to allow them to book railway parcel space in advance so as to plan their logistic in a better way.
In view of the regular demand from transporters, Indian Railways has now decided to allow advance booking of parcel space in SLRs, Parcel vans attached to passenger carrying trains, and time-tabled Parcel Special trains.
This will also help in bringing more traffic to Railways apart from enabling parcel loading parties and transporters to plan their logistics in advance in a better way.
Accordingly, now parcel space in SLRs, Parcel Vans attached to passenger carrying trains and time-tabled Parcel Special trains can be booked 120 days in advance by parcel loading parties subject to payment of 10% of the total freight charge at the time of booking. However, balance 90% payment of the freight charges has to be made at least 72 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
In case of cancellation of booking, 50% of advance paid will be refunded. However there will be no refund if cancellation is done after the deadline of 72 hours before the scheduled departure.
But if railways fail to provide parcel space in train due to cancellation of train or any other reason, full advance freight charges paid by the party will be refunded.
The Indian Railways has also decided to allow temporary leasing of parcel vans to be attached to Passenger Special trains for a period of 30 days on quotation basis. This will help in more speedier and time-tabled movement of parcel packages within various cities throughout the country.
Small traders will also benefit to a great extent as they will now be able to bring in or send packaged parcel goods within a specified time. For more details and clarifications, interested traders can contact the Business Development Units of their respective area.
