Indian Railways is planning a major simplification of its operations. With almost every state now demanding a railway zone, Rail Bhavan is considering combining its freight business into four national divisions, which will supersede all other administrative categories.
To be tentatively called north, south, east and west zones, they would be overarching structures in charge of running passenger trains, freight movement and wagons, a source familiar with the development said.
Meanwhile, the existing zones would function simultaneously and carry on with their current responsibility, mainly geared towards laying new rail tracks and maintaining existing tracks, he added. The creation of the four new zones would imply almost centralised control over the running of freight trains, the most profitable segment of the railways. ?All trains will be able to move more smoothly without each zone giving separate instructions,? the source pointed out.
The proposed new zones would help the railways improve the logistics of freight and train operations. If the government clears the proposal, it could sharply improve upon its Rs 46,943 crore earnings from freight, projected for 2007-08. Freight accounts for almost 68% of railway income. The railway turnaround in recent years is attributed to the phenomenal increase in its freight transportation business and so it is keen to keep the momentum going.
While the railways continue to be a major hauler, bulk cargo like petro products have moved to roadways. The target of reaching a 785 million tonne of loading in this fiscal has begun to look stiff. While the proposal was mooted at the railway board level, it is still under the ministry?s consideration.