Kolkata, Nov. 19: South Eastern Railway in the current financial year has loaded 101.92 million tonnes of freight during the period from 1st April to 18th November, 2020 even after a slow start in the first quarter due to pandemic situation. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the freight loading performance of South Eastern Railway due to unprecedented fall in demand.
In spite of nationwide lockdown, SER has continued with the freight transportation to keep the supply chain steady. With gradual improvement in overall situation, freight service of SER has bounced back and has crossed 100 million tonnes on 15th November, 2020.
The main commodities of freight loading of SER were Iron Ore, Coal, Pig Iron & Finished Steel, Cement, Food Grains, Fertiliser etc.
A number of concession/discount is being given by SER to make freight movement attractive through railways. With a view to attract new business, senior officers of SER have been regularly holding meeting with representative of different industries and freight customers. The formation of Business Development Units at Zonal and Divisional levels and increase in speed of freight trains have also contributed to SER’s remarkable freight loading performance.
