Stepping up efforts, Indian Railways has set a target of 5 million tonnes (MT) loading target per day as against 3.72 MT on a daily average to achieve substantial growth in the freight business.

In order to ensure maximum goods loading, the railways has sought to induct more than 1,600 locomotives and 35,843 wagons in its fleet in the fiscal 2022-23, a significant jump in acquiring new rolling stock.

Though the daily average is about 3.72 MT, on some days we have more than 4 MT loading in a day and we are hopeful to achieve the target of 5 MT shortly, said a senior Railway Ministry official involved with the freight business.

Besides, the railways has introduced two new policies to boost wagon production and opening more sidings for private players in the direction of ease of doing business.

While a new wagon design policy has been formulated for wagon manufacturers, the railways has also introduced a new siding policy for private players encouraging them to develop their own sidings for loading and unloading.

Induction of over 1,600 locomotives and 35,000 wagons is expected to ease the pressure on the existing rolling stock for goods loading and rake movement, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

The official further said the procurement of maximum wagons and locomotives would definitely help in making availability of rakes for loadings easy.

Recently, the railways has decided to introduce small containers for carrying parcels of white goods and also transporting two-wheelers in a big way.

Moreover, the railways is also tying up with the postal department for booking parcels at post offices. Post offices across the country can book parcels to be carried in railway vans for which arrangements are being finalised, said the official.

With the Union Budget to be presented on 1 February, there are many innovative proposals being worked out to make a turnaround in the railways.