Maligaon, Sept 30: The N.F. Railway for the first time managed to book tractors through NMG type wagons last week. Total 310 motor tractors were loaded in two rakes consisting 25 wagons each from the Changsari railway sidings under the Rangiya division of NFR.
Tractors loaded at Changsari were booked to Dadri Inland Container Depot in Uttar Pradesh. As a result of this new traffic, NFR managed to earn approximately Rs. 32 lakhs as additional revenue.
In another initiative 2980 cartoons of milk and edible items like snacks were also loaded for the first time from Changsari for unloading at Agartala on 27th September, 2020, which resulted into an earnings of about Rs. 84,000/-. Earlier during the month, Pepsi range of aerated beverages was also loaded for the first time for Naharlagun from Azara and Chagsari sidings.
It may be mentioned here that, in order to increase the freight transportation volume, N.F. Railway has set up Business Development Units (BDU) at all the five Divisions i.e. Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding and Tinsukia and at Zonal Head Quarter level, as per the instructions issued by Railway Board.
These BDUs are having frequent interaction with Trade & Industry players within their respective areas to find new traffic for movement by train. Proposal received from trade bodies or businessman are promptly analysed, developed and necessary assistance provided, if required.
Through formation of these BDUs, Indian Railway is targeting to increase its share in transportation of miscellaneous non-bulk goods. This traffic which is very large in volume is being traditionally moved by the road sector.
The N.F Railway is planning to attract traffic from this sector to improve its freight loading scenario. Various incentive schemes are also being offered for small volume transportation of goods for short distances.
Various new locations and stations have already been opened for freight booking and loading and unloading for the benefit of small traders in NFR areas and for the benefit of local economy. This has become necessary because of the changing business scenario in the country in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
