In the month of February 2021, freight trains’ average speed was 46.09 km per hour, which is more than double as compared to last year for the same month (23.01 km per hour). The average speed of freight trains, on 28 February 2021, was 47.51 km per hour compared to the speed of 23.17 km per hour last year for the same date which is also more than double. Also, Rs 11096.89 crores was earned by Indian Railways from freight loading in the month of February 2021, which is 7.7 per cent higher compared to last year’s earnings for the same period. The national transporter earned Rs 509.44 crores from freight loading on 28 February 2021, which is 34 per cent higher compared to last year’s earnings for the same day.
The Railway Ministry further stated that many concessions/discounts are being given in Indian Railways to make the movement of goods attractive. Besides, faster speed, constant dialogue with the industry and logistics service providers, strong emergence of Business Development Units (BDUs) in Indian Railways’ zones as well as divisions, etc., are adding to the robust growth of Indian Railways’ freight business, it added.