However, there was not much reaction on the Budget proposals as transporters feel that the impact might be felt in the coming weeks.

Hectic activity was witnessed after cargo movement started picking up towards Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. A minor shortage of vehicles help add some boost to the increasing cost in this region. Truck rates to these States went up by Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 and are likely to stay stable in the coming week too, according to transporters.

According to them, the improvement in cargo movement is across various sectors including cement, steel and metal plates. "The cargo movement should remain stable at least till March-end when the financial year Ends," transporters said.

Meanwhile, corrections were witnessed in freight rates to some north-eastern cities. While, rates to some places such as Guwahati increased by Rs 2,000, the freight rates to Kolkata declined by same figure during last week.Rates to southern cities too buckled under pressure as cargo movement slowed down and vehicle availability reached comfortable Positions. The rates to Bangalore, declined by Rs 800, while rates to most of other southern cities witnessed a drop of Rs 300-500. The rates may remain stable in this region for the next fortnight or so.