New Delhi: The Indian Railways freight revenue touched US$ 1.03 billion in June 2010, an increase of 6.99 per cent from the corresponding month in 2009. The growth in revenue was supported by commodities including cement, coal, foodgrains, fertilizer, iron ore, and mineral oil. The Railways freight, increased to 79.94 million tonnes (MT) of goods, a marginal growth of 0.47 per cent in June 2010 from the corresponding month in 2009.
In the net tonne kilometres (NTKM) terms—measures the combined effect of change in loading and distance—a parameter that measures the throughput. Railways registered growth for cement, coal, foodgrain, fertilizer, domestic movement of iron ore and coal movement to steel plants.
The Railways earned 96 per cent more by moving one tonne of iron ore meant exports for one kilometre in June 2010 as against June 2009. The earnings can be attributed to various factors including increase in fare, handling and other supplementary charges.
Similarly, the Indian Railways earned about 22 per cent more by moving one tonne of goods in containers for one km during the period.
Source: IBEF.org, July 19, 2010
